Auto Express - February 11, 2015 UK

MARCH SPECIAL 132-PAGE MEGA MAG
Special Issue
No. 1,357 | 3.30
91HEROES
HALF-PRICE
HOW TO GET MORE CAR FOR YOUR CASH
SPECIAL ISSUE
City cars to supercars, bargain buys from 795
FIATS MX-5
WORLD EXCLUSIVE
Made by Mazda, styled in Italy.

The perfect roadster?
PLUS
HONDAS167MPH TYPE R
OFFICIAL Turbo
fliers tech
secrets
DRIVEN TT ROADSTER
Why new Audi is 2015s
most desirable soft-top
TESTED Renault Mgane Trophy R vs Porsche Cayman Ford Focus ST Estate
11 February Special Issue 1,357
www.autoexpress.co.uk
Contents
News | New Cars | Features |Tests |Products |Buying cars |Sport
Newsweek
COVER Fiats MX-5 revealed
Exclusive images and full details of new 124 Spider
Renaults seven-seat SUV
10
Hyundai Tucson returns
12
Diesel additive alert
14
COVER 167mph Civic Type R coming
16
Superb opens its doors
18
Kadjar set to be joined by big new Santa Fe rival

ix35 replacement set to get familiar name
Drivers warned on additive needed to comply with Euro VI
Honda conrms new details on eagerly-awaited hatch
Skoda reveals rst picture of new agships cabin
Features
26
Taught by the fuzz
The ex-cops teaching learners how to drive
New cars
47 Get more car for your money in our 32-page special
Audi TT Roadster
30
Mazda 2 verdict
32
Lotus Exige auto
36
Porsche Cayennes at the double
38
Juke Nismo RS
40
Focus ST estate
42
New drop-top is stunning to look at and great to drive

Sweet handling supermini takes aim at Ford Fiesta
Paddleshift box aims to boost sports cars appeal
Storming new GTS and Turbo S versions blast off
First UK drive of front-wheel-drive hot Nissan

Petrol estate offers thrilling pace and space
8 Fiats MX-5 could be badged 124 Spider
16 167mph Type R is on the way
Online
this week
Half-price heroes
47
COVER Get more car for your cash
More than 90 great deals, starting from only 795
Road tests
Eco warriors
80
Wild Mgane vs Cayman
90
Our cars
98
Audi A3 e-tron vs BMW i3 vs Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Renaultsport Mgane Trophy R faces Porsche coup

Updates on the Mazda 3 and Hyundai i10
TOP9
GADGET
30 Our verdict on Audis TT Roadster CHARGERS
TESTED
Page 108
First drive verdict on

SEAT Leon ST Cupra
THE standard SEAT Leon Cupra
is currently our top hot hatch,
so the prospect of a more
practical but equally fast estate
version set our pulses racing
when it was revealed last year.
This week were in Spain to
test SEATs souped-up wagon
on the road and track and see if
it can match the brilliant hatch
for driving thrills. Head online
now for our definitive verdict
ahead of the Cupras public
debut at the Geneva Motor Show.
For more visit
26
Rutherford tries a driving school run by ex-cops
autoexpress.co.uk
Products
Screenwash rated
106
Gadget chargers tested
108
We try three different solutions. Plus books and DVDs

Best buys to keep your gear powered up on move
Buying cars
Fiesta buyers guide
112
New car prices
118
Fords award-winning supermini is a great buy used
All the info you need before you head to the showroom
Regulars
24
Consumer news
Watchdog solves your problems, plus you have your say
Sport
128
Get Auto Express every week
129
Back chat
130
Brit drivers net Le Mans spots, plus all the latest news
Great half-price offer on your favourite magazine

Mike Rutherford on the need for driving appraisals
Thisweek
Visit autoexpress.co.uk for all the latest new cars news
Editor-in-chief: Steve Fowler

Deputy editor: Graham Hope
News
Associate editor: JackRix

News editor: James Batchelor
Deputy news editor: Richard Ingram
Senior news reporter: Jonathan Burn
News reporter: Lawrence Allan
Road tests
Road test editor: James Disdale

Deputy road test editor: Dean Gibson
Senior road tester: Sean Carson
Road tester: Lesley Harris
Fiat revs up for the future, but

havent we said that before?
Contact us
Consumer
Dennis Publishing Ltd,

30 Cleveland Street,
London W1T 4JD
Consumer editor: Chris Ebbs

Consumer reporter: Joe Finnerty
Consumer writer (products): Henry Willis
Production
Managing editor: Stuart Morton

Production editor: Sarah Murray
Sub-editor: Stuart Newman
Subscriptionenquiries0844 8440026
E-mailfirstname_lastname@dennis.co.uk
Digital
Website editor: Steve Walker

Editor-at-large and
head of motoring video: Mat Watson
Senior web producer: Sam Naylor
Content editor: Tom Goodlad
Carbuyer editor: Stuart Milne
Carbuyer sub-editor: Stephen Errity
Carbuyer content editor: William Morris
Design & Pictures
Art director: Darren Wilson

Deputy art editor: George Vedmore
Designer: Danny Brown
Picture editor: Dawn Grant
Senior photographer: Pete Gibson
Staff photographer: Otis Clay
Special Contributors
Mike Rutherford, Kim Adams,

Andreas Conradt, Peter Lyon,
Sarah Bradley, Julie Sinclair, Jamie Cullen
Advertising & Promotions
Advertising director: Sarah Johns

Businessdevelopmentmanager:ShazaAgabani
Advertisingmanager: Helen Ruane
Account manager: Neale Salt
Sales executive: Alexander Rumble
Researchdirector(Driver Power):Seema Hope
Seniorproduction executive: DanielStark
Inserts: Abdul Ahad
Digital trading director: Elaine dela Cruz
Managing director: Julian-Lloyd Evans
Publishing director: James Burnay
Newstrade manager: David Barker
Digital marketing manager: Anna Marley
Marketing executive: Grace Wilson
Dennis Publishing Ltd

Group managing director: Ian Westwood
Chief operating officer: Brett Reynolds
Group finance director: Ian Leggett
Chief executive: JamesTye
Company founder: Felix Dennis
CONTENT SYNDICATIONSALES
Our content is available for syndication.

E-mail ryan_chambers@dennis.co.uk
or call 020 7907 6132 for more details.
Copyright Dennis Publishing Limited.
Auto Express is a trademarkof FelixDennis.
Auto Express is published weekly by Dennis Publishing Ltd.
Company registered in England, number 1138891.This
publication may not be reproduced or transmitted
in any form or in part without the written permission of
the Publishers. Registered as a newspaper at the
Post Office. Pictures submitted to Auto Express
are sent at owners risk. While every care is taken,
neither Auto Express nor its agents accept any liability
for loss or damage. Originated on Apple Macintoshes.
Repro by Mullis Morgan. Printed by Benham Goodhead
Print, Bicester. Distribution:Seymour, 2 East Poultry
Avenue, London EC1A 9PT.Tel: 020 7429 4000,
Fax: 020 7429 4001, Website: www.seymour.co.uk
AUTO EXPRESS ROAD TESTS
All Auto Express tests are carried out at private proving

groundswherecarsaredriventothelimitandperformance
tested using RacelogicVBoxcomputer timing equipment.
Auto Express also assesses the cars over many miles of
mixed public roads before delivering its RoadTestVerdict.
Auto Express is part of the

Auto Bild Group networkof magazines
The paper used within this magazine is

produced from sustainable fibre, manufactured
by mills with a valid chain of custody.
facebook.com/autoexpress
@AutoExpress
youtube.com/autoexpress
I OFTEN refer to Fiat as the 500 Car Company.

Log on to the companys website, and of the
nine bodystyles on offer, five of them wear the
500s friendly face. When it comes to Fiats sales,
500s account for the vast majority, with the
new 500X (above) set to increase that even more.
This weeks revelation that the long-awaited
roadster the Fiat Group has been developing
with Mazda will wear a Fiat badge (first it was
rumoured to be an Alfa, then an Abarth...) is
a sign of expansion beyond the 500.
Likely to be called 124 Spider, after the famous
sports car of the sixties and seventies, the roadster
will be followed by a new Golf and Focus rival a
global sector in all its forms (hatch, saloon, estate)
thats difficult to ignore for any car company.
Insiders say that next up will be a Punto
replacement another big-selling segment
but plans to expand the Panda range with
a bigger Qashqai-rivalling model have been
delayed. Thats a shame, as for me its the more
innovative models like the 500 and Panda that
have helped to put Fiat back on the map. Recent
history has shown it doesnt do mainstream well.
But as those Panda Qashqai rumours prove,
weve been teased by the prospect of future Fiats
over and over only to find another 500 variant
finding its way into the showroom. Fiats had
more false dawns than the English football team,
so lets hope the 124 Spider really is the start of
a Fiat renaissance we can get excited about.
At least Fiats dealers are showing signs of
improvement up four places in last years Driver
Power survey. This years
survey closes soon, so log
on at the address on the
right to have your say on
your car and your dealer.
STEVE FOWLER
Editor-in-chief
Steve_Fowler@dennis.co.uk
@stevefowler
News02079076205
Consumer02079076217
Tests 020 7907 6209
Products 020 7907 6212
Fax 020 7907 6234
Advertising02079076745
Advertising E-mail
ads@autoexpress.co.uk
Subscribe and
save 46 per cent
nt
Get all the motoring news EVERY week
Subscription to Auto Express and save 46% on the shop price.
And this weekonly, get six issues for only 50 pence. See Page 129.
Call 0844 844 0026
Basic annual rate UK: 79.99 Europe: 110 Restof world: 180
Online subscriber service Change your address
and renew your subscription at
www.subsinfo.co.uk
Subs E-mail autoexpress@servicehelpline.co.uk
Auto Express app

free on your iPad
Start reading on your iPad for free
Get news and content updates
throughout the week
Even more car news straight to your iPad

Plus first drives, road tests and reviews,
and exclusive video content, too
www.subscribe.autoexpress.co.uk/print-ipad
Tell us about your car

Driver Power is the UKs biggest
motoring satisfaction survey.
Every year we need you to tell
us about your car. Good or bad, your
feedback helps us tell EVERY motor manufacturer
what YOU want... and believe us, theyre listening!
Have your say take the survey
www.autoexpress.co.uk/driverpower
Special Issue 7
Top story
First for news every week
We take wraps off Fiat sister car to Mazda MX-5

On sale next year Could be badged 124 Spider
Richard Ingram
Richa
Richard_Ingram@dennis.co.uk
Richa
@cutt_ings
THE sister car to the new Mazda

MX-5 will be badged a Fiat, Auto
Express can now confirm. It could
also revive the 124 Spider name from
the past, and a hot Abarth version
will follow later in the lifecycle.
Until recently, the Fiat Chrysler
Group rear-wheel-drive two-seater was
set to wear an Alfa Romeo badge, but
a U-turn from CEO Sergio Marchionne
meant how the roadster would be
branded was up in the air, until now.
A company insider told us all Alfa
Romeos need to be 100 per cent
Italian. That backs up Marchionnes
earlier comments that no Alfa would
be built outside Italy on his watch.
And as part of the joint venture
agreement with Mazda, both cars
are to be made at Mazdas factory in
Hiroshima, Japan. According to our
source, the agreement between Fiat
and Mazda is that the MX-5 will
launch first and take centre stage
in 2015, with Fiats alternative
offering coming 12 months later.
News also broke last week of a
pair of Fiat trademark applications in
the US for the Fiat 124 and Fiat
124 Spider nameplates, suggesting
theyre being readied for a return. The
124 first appeared in 1966, using
the same front-engine, rear-wheeldrive layout the Spider will adopt.
Being based on the MX-5, the
new Fiat Spider will, of course, share
certain key components such as the
wheelbase and chassis with its
Mazda stablemate. However, another
insider hinted that the 124 Spiders
styling will be more retro than the
Mazdas, with elements inspired
by the Fiat 124 of the sixties.
Our exclusive images closely
reflect this, with squared-off rear
lights, a wide front grille and much
more rounded headlamps than the
MX-5. The extended flat rear deck
is another cue taken from the 124.
Our source revealed that the
new roadster will weigh in at less
than 1,000kg, with a choice of
small affordable engines. Its
likely to use the 1.4-litre MultiAir
turbo from the Alfa Giulietta
in a variety of tunes, while for the
Abarth version the same engine
Mazda and Fiat have

agreed the MX-5 will
take centre stage this
year, the Fiat in 2016
8 Special Issue
could be tuned to 200[bhp] without

issue. On top of the additional
power, expect the Abarth to get
stiffer suspension, more aggressive
styling and bigger brakes.
Given that the basic MX-5 has
just 129bhp and does 0-62mph
in 8.9 seconds, a 200bhp-plus
version could offer genuine Porsche
Boxster-rivalling performance.
Our source also hinted that a
lightweight, more affordable,
Caterham 160-style model could
be on the cards. This would have
steel wheels and a mechanically
sensible powertrain. It would
be stripped of anything nonessential, though, with a
focus on back-to-basics,
rear-wheel-drive handling.
We can expect the new Fiat
124 Spider to make its debut
early next year before going
on sale in the summer of 2016.
Prices and specs will be
confirmed nearer the time, but
given the predicted power increases
over the MX-5, we envisage a
starting price of just over 20,000.
124 Spider to be
EXCLUSIVE Insider sheds more light on Mazda sister car and it could s
EXCLUSIVE IMAGES
Poblete
RETRO STYLING
Use of famous
name from the past means that Fiat
will feature more retro-inspired styling
than Mazda has used on the new MX-5
FIA
FIAT 124 SPIDER
Launch
Launched in the sixties, the
124 Sp
Spider was designed
for Fi
Fiat by Pininfarina
e reborn on Fiat MX-5?
see famous badge return
POWER STRUGGLE One of the
significant differences between Fiat

and Mazda will be engines, with the
Spider using turbocharged units
Evoking the spirit of the

Barchetta two-seater
FIATS last attempt at a two-seater sports car was
the Barchetta launched in Europe in the midnineties. Barchetta means little boat in Italian,
and given its long overhangs and pointed nose,
its easy to see where Fiat got the inspiration.
Based on the front-wheel-drive Mk1 Punto,
the Barchetta was great fun to drive. It featured a
128bhp 1.8-litre petrol engine capable of 0-62mph
in 8.9 seconds and a 124mph top speed.
Although it was officially sold
through Fiat dealers in the UK, it
was never engineered for
right-hand drive.
Understandably,
that limited its
appeal over here,
although you can
now pick up used
examples from
just 1,500.
Barchetta
was sold
in nineties
but came
in left-hand
drive only
Special Issue 9
News
Renaults seven-seater SUV
Jonathan
Burn
Jonat
nat
Jonathan_Burn@dennis.co.uk
Jonath
th
@Jonathan_burn
RENAULT is on the crossover

offensive. Following the unveiling
of the brands new Nissan Qashqai rival,
the Kadjar, bosses have announced that
an even larger seven-seater designed
to take on the X-Trail is currently under
development. Expected to appear in
2017, the new Renault will also have to
fend off the likes of the Hyundai Santa
Fe and Skodas forthcoming SUV for
sales (see panel, opposite).
Our exclusive images show how
the newcomer could look. Adopting
the curvaceous lines and panels seen
on the Kadjar and Captur, Renaults
design DNA is evident in the full-length
headlamps and grille arrangement
dominating the front end.
Designed to sit above the Kadjar
in the range, the yet-to-be-named
large crossover is definitely on the way,
but bosses were reluctant to spill the
beans at this early stage. Its too early
to say just yet, said Jerome Stoll,
executive vice president, chief
performance officer at Renault.
The Kadjar is part of a renewal plan;
were specialists in the multi-passenger
vehicle we invented it and now
were moving into the crossover.
EXCLUSIVEIMAGES
Renaults design DNA
is evident in the fulllength headlamps and
grille arrangement
Attractive
Stoll continued: I believe Renault for

the past two years has been renewing
the range with a number of products. We
have much more attractive designs, and
the new cars are now very successful.
As with the Kadjar, when it comes
to developing the new crossover,
Renault will take advantage of its
alliance with Nissan. The recently
introduced X-Trail is not only expected
to be a main rival, but itll also provide
a large portion of the newcomers
mechanical underpinnings.
The CMF platform
produced by the RenaultNissan alliance already
underpins a range of
crossover models such as
the Qashqai, Kadjar and
X-Trail, and is expected
to serve as a basis for
Renaults seven-seater, too.
That means the 130bhp 1.6litre diesel offered in the
X-Trail would fit nicely into
place. As with its Japanese
cousin, the seven-seat
configuration is expected
to be a cost option.
Although the likely 2017
launch for the crossover is
some time away, Renault
has several new models in the pipeline
thatll keep it busy in the meantime. A
hotter version of the quirky rear-engined
Twingo city car is expected soon, along
with a pick-up truck and a replacement
for the Laguna saloon that will rival
the Ford Mondeo and VW Passat.
10 Special Issue
Renaults X-Tra
Exclusive images reveal new seven-seat crossover SUV to sit above Kadjar
Seven-seater crossover set to
use large portion of latest
X-Trails underpinnings
Seven-seater could
adopt curvaceous lines
and panels seen on
new Kadjar (above)
Renaults seven-seater SUV
News
Milos Dvorak
WHAT IT HAS TO BEAT

Here are the SUV class leade
ders
de
rs that
tha
hatt Renault faces...
leaders
Hyundai Santa Fe Auto Expresss reigning
SUV of the Year, the Santa Fe offers outstanding value

for money wrapped in a stylish and premium package.
Kia Sorento The Sorento shares a large proportion

of its DNA with the Santa Fe and the new-generation
model looks and drives better than ever.
ail shapes up
Land Rover Discovery Sport At the more

premium end of the market sits the new Discovery
Sport, with great off-road ability and advanced tech.
Ni
Nissan X
X-Trail
T il The X-Trail will donate much of
its DNA to Renaults new crossover. It looks good and

drives well, and all for a competitive price, too.
Milos Dvorak
Skoda SUV Our exclusive image shows an all-new
Skoda SUV which is due next year. The seven-seater will

be the brands first foray into this end of the SUV market.
Special Issue 11
News
Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai Tucson back as

Official sketch reveals ix35-replacing Qashqai rival for Geneva
Ja
Jack Rix
Jack_R
Jac
Jack_Rix@dennis.co.uk
@jack_rix
HYUNDAI is bringing the Tucson

name back to the UK for the first
time since 2009. The new car, which will
be sold globally as the Tucson, will be
revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in
March before going on sale towards the
end of the year, and this official sketch
hints at how the compact SUV will look.
The all-new model replaces the sixyear-old ix35, and looks set to offer a
more athletic and aggressive exterior
design. The Tucsons proportions have
been exaggerated in this designers
sketch, but its a great start for a car that
will lock horns with the Nissan Qashqai,
Kia Sportage and Mazda CX-5.
A low, sloping roofline, high waistline
and a sharper, sportier stance than the
current ix35 (below) are visible. Theres
also Hyundais updated hexagonal
grille, as seen on the facelifted i30.
Despite this Range Rover Evoque-style
profile, we expect the Tucson to
maintain the same level of practicality
that the outgoing ix35 offers, with a
maximum boot capacity of 1,436 litres.
Peter Schreyer, president and chief
design officer of Hyundai, said: Our
new compact SUV will be a big step

forward for the Hyundai brand globally.
Hyundai has very high hopes for the
Tucson, especially considering it sold 26
per cent more ix35s than ever before in
2014, despite being the oldest model in
the range. The new car, with its rakish
design, will also play a crucial part in
reshaping opinions of the company.
We want to move the brand away
from a rational purchase and towards
an emotional purchase, said Tony
Whitehorn, president of Hyundai UK.
And we want to do it quickly.
Despite predicted growth in the
total UK market of just 0.6 per cent,
Whitehorn is hoping for a seven per
cent increase in Hyundai sales for a
record-breaking total of 88,000 cars
thanks to a raft of new models.
The new i20 has already been
launched this month, the i20 Coup
follows in March along with the new i30
family (including the hot new 183bhp
turbo version). A facelifted i40 then
arrives in April the same month
the flagship 47,995, V6-powered
Genesis saloon goes on sale in seven
selected dealers across the UK.
As Hyundai is using its big-bucks
WRC campaign as leverage, expect
more performance cars to start emerging
in the coming months, too. And as a
sign of its intent, the brand recently
poached Albert Biermann,
former VP of engineering at
BMW M, to join its team.
ix35 has proven a sales

hit, so new model is set to
build on strong foundations
OFFICIAL
New grille
Tucson will feature Hyundais

updated hexagonal grille, which
debuted on the facelifted i30
...And little brother has Juke in

A NISSAN Juke-rivalling little brother
for the Tucson isnt far away, either.
A company insider told Auto
Express: We are looking at this very
closely and with real interest. Its
something we would like to do,
but we have to consider if it is just
a fad. The beauty of Hyundai is that if

something gets the green light, we
can move quicker than others.
The brand has already shown what
its capable of with the unveil of the
ix25 at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show,
but this wouldnt be an option for
C-X75, Range Rover Sports

SPIEDfilm
lead roles in new Bond
JAGUAR Land Rover has confirmed its
line-up of star cars for the next James Bond
film, Spectre, due for release towards the
end of this year. Topping the bill will be the
C-X75 hypercar thatll go head-to-head in
a spectacular car chase through Rome
with 007s Aston Martin DB10.
Prepared by Williams Advanced
Engineering, more than one C-X75 has
been used for filming. Its the first time the
cars been seen in any public role since the
programme was shelved in December 2012.
The C-X75 is only one part of a product
showcase by the marques Special Vehicle
Operations division, however. Heavily
12 Special Issue
modified versions of the Land Rover

Defender and Range Rover Sport
SVR will feature in scenes filmed in
Austria uprated to an extent that
Land Rover is calling the Defender
used in the film Big Foot. Special
Vehicle Operations has fitted the
cars with huge 37-inch off-road tyres,
bespoke suspension systems and
enhanced body protection.
Managing director John Edwards
said: This is an exciting partnership
for Jaguar Land Rover, and an
opportunity to demonstrate the
fantastic capabilities of the team.
MOVIE STARS Jag C-X75 and heavily modified
Range Rover Sport will join James Bond on big screen
Hyundai Tucson
s sharper new SUV
Proportions
News
news
inbrief
Low, sloping roofline

and high waistline
add visual appeal
Fresh look for Kias

facelifted Picanto
its sights
Western Europe. No, a B-SUV would
not be based on the ix25, said the
insider. We liked some cues, but
wouldnt take a production version.
Although the i20 is based on a new
platform, our source added that any
mini-SUV wont necessarily follow suit.
AS Hyundai gears up to reveal its

new Tucson at Geneva (left), sister
brand Kia has revealed this picture
(above) of its revised Picanto city
car, which also stars at the show.
It gets new bumpers and a fresh
tiger-nose grille, plus new alloys.
Inside are new materials, with extra
chrome trim around the air vents
and instrument binnacle, plus a
revised centre console and several
optional colour packs. A seven-inch
infotainment touchscreen will be
added to the options later this year.
The familiar 1.0-litre MPI threecylinder engine is updated to meet
Euro VI emissions rules, and bigger
brake discs cut stopping distances.
The Picanto will go on sale towards
the end of March after its debut.
New Juke
rival could
take cues
from ix25
revealed
at Beijing
last year
New Suzukis out of the shadows

SUZUKI is still playing its Geneva Motor Show cards
close to its chest, having released these darkened
teaser images of two new concepts its set to reveal
at the event in March. The iK-2 and i-M4 are our first
hints at how the brand will achieve its target of
launching six new models in the next three years.
But a spokesman was quick to distance the iK-2
from a planned Swift replacement when talking to Auto
Express. The curvy car suggests a larger Ford Fiesta
rival, confirming marketing boss Dale Wyatts
promise of a more practical, Nissan Note-style miniMPV that will answer the reasons not to buy a Swift.
Wyatt also claimed the car will be raised up and
not as dynamically wired as the Swift. The mini-MPV
fits with the brands ideology of having two new cars
in each of the A, B and C segments one emotional
and the other rational. At first glance, we estimate
the i-M4 to be a long-awaited Jimny replacement, but
the spokesman suggested this was an all-new model.
TEASERS
i-M4 (above) and i-K2 (below) will be revealed at Geneva show
Sport Pack turns

MINIs into JCWs
YOU can now give your standard
MINI hatch the look of a JCW with a
new Sport Pack. The option (above)
brings bonnet stripes, 17-inch
alloys and a JCW spoiler and aero
kit, while sports suspension is
included on all versions, except
the entry-level One and One D.
Inside are new cloth or leather
seats, a multifunction sports
steering wheel and Anthracite
headlining, plus JCW sill finishers
and an upgraded light pack.
The Sport Pack also brings
MINIs Excitement Pack and
adjustable driving modes. It costs
3,300 on top-spec models, but
this rises to 4,500 on the basic
One due to additional kit changes.
MINI claims itll boost residuals by
up to 25 per cent across the range.
Special Issue 13
News
Diesel additive shock
Top up with new additive, or eco

diesels could come to a standstill
Warning about new AdBlue additive
Cuts NOx emissions, but needs top-ups
MIX IT UP Special additive

should help make diesel
engines cleaner, but will
need to be topped up by
dealers or car owners
Chris
Chris_Ebbs@dennis.co.uk
@AE_Consumer
14 Special Issue
OFFICIAL
New 2.3-litre Focus RS features four-wheel drive
Chris Ebbs
DRIVERS of diesels compliant

with new Euro VI emissions
standards could find themselves
stranded at home or in the supermarket
car park if they dont keep their vehicles
topped up with a new additive.
As part of the stricter engine rules,
which affected any new model after
September 2014 and were applied
to cars already on sale a year later,
a solution called AdBlue is added
to the exhaust gas of diesels to
reduce harmful NOx emissions.
The solution a mixture of water
and urea is kept in a separate tank
in the car. If it needs topping up, a dash
warning light will appear, and if drivers
ignore this, the engine wont restart
once its turned off. On average, affected
cars will warn drivers three times before
refusing to start, although some will give
longer and more regular warnings.
A number of models already use
the AdBlue solution in their cars: the
Peugeot 308; Audi A4, A5, A6 and other
cars in the range; BMWs 1 Series, X1
and 3 Series; Citroens C4 Cactus;
and the Mercedes B, C and E-Class.
According to Peugeot, its cars AdBlue
tanks will need to be topped up every
12,500 miles, and for most drivers itll
be done as part of the models servicing
schedule. However, a spokesman told
us this might not always be the case:
Depending upon driving style, for a
small cost it can also be topped up at
a Peugeot dealer while you wait. That
cost is 9.99 for a 10-litre top-up.
Our training material includes useful
videos and bulletins, which clearly explain
the AdBlue-based emissions reduction
system and its implications for customer
vehicles. When Euro VIb standards are
Focus RS to bring
host of AWD firsts
As part of stricter engine rules, AdBlue

is added to the exhaust gas of diesels
to reduce harmful NOx emissions
implemented, with even more stringent
rules regarding emissions, AdBlue tanks
are likely to be made smaller in a bid to
save weight. This will also mean theyll
need topping up on a more regular basis.
Confusion about AdBlue is an issue,
according to Halfords product manager
Jemma Billings: Drivers can be forgiven
for not knowing what AdBlue is, or
whether their car has it on board,
because it isnt highlighted in
manufacturers sales literature or
by dealership staff selling the car.
She continued: Theres also no
standard size or location for the tank
that holds the AdBlue solution. Where
to find the filler cap varies between
manufacturers, too, making it difficult
for customers to get to grips with.
While most drivers are expected to
get their tanks filled by dealers, from
April Halfords is set to sell four-litre
packs of AdBlue for motorists to
top up their tanks themselves.
THE new Focus RS hot hatch was designed with

four-wheel drive in mind, Ford has revealed.
Speaking to Auto Express, Raj Nair, vice
president global vehicle development, told us
that the cars clever all-wheel-drive system debuts
a host of innovations for the brand. He said this
was needed to cope with the high power level
of the 2.3-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost turbo.
Cost didnt come into it, explained Nair. It
wasnt a case of engineers vs accountants; we wanted
to make an affordable performance vehicle with the
best technology possible. It needs to be a percentage
above an ST. Thats what an RS should be about.
The first major innovation is the hottest Focuss
electronically controlled, twin-clutch, 4WD system.
Essentially, this allows up to 70 per cent of power to
be sent to the rear, with as much as 100 per cent of
that driving torque sent to one wheel. You get great
steering response but incredible pull out of the corner
and we can use the torque vectoring to keep the
car stable all the way through a bend, added Nair.
AdBlue will be
available on high
street for DIY
motorists to buy
GROUNDBREAKING
Hot Focuss all-wheel
drive debuts a host of
innovations for Ford, says
development boss Nair
Real-world emissions testing on the way

EUROPE is set to become the first place
in the world where car makers are forced
to carry out real-world emissions tests.
Regulations are expected to be introduced
by 2017 to ensure all new vehicles are tested
to reveal what emissions and thus what
economy theyre likely to achieve when

driving on roads and in traffic, not in ideal
lab-like conditions. The tests are designed
to enforce a limit of 80mg/km of nitrogen
oxide a level currently met by only one
car in 16, according to researchers.
News
Honda Civic Type R
White-hot new Civic Typ
Honda reveals more details on new 280bhp-plus hot hatch

Ja
Jack Rix
Jac
Jack_R
@jack_rix
DESPITE displaying a concept at the

Paris Motor Show in September,
Honda still isnt ready to fully reveal its
production-ready Civic Type R but its
getting tantalisingly close. Ahead of its
world debut at the Geneva Motor Show
in March, the brand has released three
detail pictures and new information,
while our main image shows how
the production car could look.
Most striking of all is the Type Rs
claimed top speed of 167mph just
7mph behind the new four-wheel-drive,
362bhp Audi RS3 and 2mph faster than
the old 345bhp Ford Focus RS500.
The eye-popping top speed is down to
the Civics clever aerodynamic package,
which uses a flat underbody, rear diffuser,
big rear wing, front splitter and carefully
shaped side skirts to balance downforce
with drag and boost high-speed stability.
Also confirmed are specifically
designed Brembo brakes that use fourpiston calipers to grab 350mm drilled
discs at the front. These sit behind the
unique 19-inch wheels (right). The
production car also has a tweaked front
end, featuring round foglights and larger
intakes to help the new 2.0-litre VTEC
turbo engines heat management.
The new instrument cluster has been
revealed, too, displaying a rev counter
that reads up to 8,000rpm and a +R
button left of the dials. This will sharpen
throttle response, turn up the exhaust
volume and add weight to the steering.
The car on display in Geneva will
be finished in Championship White
paint previewed in our main image and

a colour synonymous with Type Rs of the
past. But thats where Hondas nostalgia
ends. The new car will be on a different
performance level to its predecessors,
sending over 280bhp through a six-speed
manual box to the front tyres to take it
from 0-62mph in around six seconds.
Its no secret that Honda is targeting
the Nrburgring front-wheel-drive lap
record, currently held by the Renaultsport
Mgane Trophy R (tested on Page 90).
So, helping it rip around corners is a
new steer-axis suspension system to
keep things stable and quell torque
steer, while adaptive dampers
will improve on-road usability.
Honda claims 100 UK orders have
already been placed, with each customer
paying a 3,000 deposit. When deliveries
start in the summer, prices are expected
to kick off from just under 30,000
putting the car squarely in line with Fords
new 316bhp, four-wheel-drive Focus RS.
COLOUR Our image shows how
the production Type R could look

on stand at Geneva, finished in
stunning Championship White
OFFICIAL
Latest detail
shots show
Type R gets
unique
Brembo
brakes and
stylish dials,
with a rev
counter
reading up
to 8,000rpm
Hybrid MINI takes its first steps

OUR spies have already caught MINIs
next-generation Countryman testing
late last year, but these latest shots
reveal a more interesting secret.
Buried among the vivid yellow
camouflage wrapping is a sticker
reading Hybrid Test Vehicle. Its
our clearest proof yet that the brand is
readying plug-in hybrid tech for the next
Countryman and means the crossover
will be the first MINI to go hybrid.
A MINI insider hinted to Auto Express
that the big MINI will feature the same
set-up as the BMW i8 supercar, which
comprises a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder
petrol engine linked to an electric
motor and lithium-ion batteries.
We already know the secondgeneration Countryman will sit on
16 Special Issue
Spies caught
disguised
Countryman
being tested,
and sticker
reveals its
the first
hybrid MINI
BMWs UKL1 platform. This underpins

three and five-door versions of the MINI
hatch, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer
and the forthcoming MINI Clubman.
In line with the MINI five-door and
new Clubman estate, the Countryman
is set to grow. As our spy shots show,
the new Countryman has larger

front and rear overhangs and a larger
passenger compartment, hinting at
more room inside. Its set to arrive
next year, with the plug-in hybrid
version offered alongside conventional
turbocharged petrol and diesel engines.
SPIED
Honda Civic Type R
pe R to hit 167mph
OFFICIAL
News
news
inbrief
First look at new

QX30 crossover
INFINITI will launch its BMW X1rivalling QX30 concept at Marchs
Geneva Motor Show. This teaser
image (above) is our first look at
the raised-up crossover thats
based on the Q30 hatchback.
Due in mid-2016, the QX30 will
get a coup-like profile with a high
driving position. Itll be built on
the Mercedes MFA platform that
underpins the latest A-Class, and
will also use the German brands
2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines.
The production car

also has a tweaked
front end, featuring
round foglights and
larger intakes to help
with the new 2.0-litre
VTEC turbo engines
heat management
Keyless hackers spike

London car theft by 8%
Automedia
CAR theft in London last year rose by eight per

cent on 2013s figures, with keyless entry
systems on vehicles increasingly targeted,
the Metropolitan Police has revealed.
More than 6,000 cars and vans were stolen
by criminals without possession of the owners
keys in the capital in 2014 an average of 17 a
day making up around 42 per cent of the total
thefts. Vans are the number one target, with the
Ford Transit, Ford Transit Connect and Mercedes
Sprinter models the most commonly taken.
BMWs and Land Rovers are also popular.
Gangs use devices purchased online to bypass
or hack into onboard electronic ignition systems,
although sometimes they just tow vehicles away.
The Met said it has evidence that the stolen
cars are driven to the Home Counties, where
theyre stripped before being shipped abroad.
High-spec Hyundai
i10 is a hit for kit
HYUNDAI has added a new topspec Premium SE trim to its i10
line-up. Prices start at 11,995
for the manual car or 12,650
for the auto, and all get 15-inch
alloys, an electric sunroof, keyless
go, rear parking sensors and
climate control, plus heated
front seats and steering wheel.
In addition, SE-spec i10s and
above now get a space-saver spare
wheel, while the Connectivity Pack
comprising Bluetooth with voice
recognition, steering wheel audio
controls and rear speakers
can be added for 175 extra.
PAGE 100: Latest on our i10
Kias 500X rival for

Chicago show bow
KIA has confirmed that itll use
this weeks Chicago Motor Show
to debut a new Trailster e-AWD
concept car a small electric SUV
based on the Soul supermini.
Details are scarce, but teaser
images point to a stylish, goanywhere model that could signal
a crossover version of the Soul EV,
and hint at a rival for cars such as
the Fiat 500X. Kia says the Trailster
will get a fully retractable fabric roof
and rear-mounted electric AWD.
Special Issue 17
News
Skoda Superb cabin
Insides out on all-new Superb

Classy cabin for new Skoda
Unveiled at the Geneva show
OFFICIAL
James Batchelor
Jame
James_Batchelor@dennis.co.uk
@JRRBatchelor
SKODA has revealed the interior of

its new Superb. And unsurprisingly,
the company has played it pretty
safe with its range-topping model.
The dashboard is an upscaled version
of the Octavias, sharing key styling
themes in an evolutionary rather
than revolutionary approach.
Several horizontal lines are used
to exaggerate the feeling of space,
while the air vents, large touchscreen
and ventilation controls are all shared.
However, Superb passengers will
be able to control the infotainment
system via iPad, plus the car will
support Apple CarPlay and,
eventually, wireless phone charging.
With supple leathers and soft-touch
plastics, the Superb is likely to match
sister brand Volkswagens Passat
for quality. But unlike the VW, the
Superb will not feature the Passats
clever 12.3-inch virtual cockpit,
relying on analogue dials instead.
While not pictured, rear legroom will
be vast Skoda claims its double that
of Vauxhalls Insignia and each front
door will come with a small umbrella.
The Superb will debut at
the Geneva Motor Show in
March before going on sale
in the summer. An estate
follows early next year.
HI-TECH CABIN
Occupants can control infotainment by

iPad; Apple CarPlay will be supported
It shares key
themes with
the Octavia in an
evolutionary approach
OFFICIAL
SHARPER STYLE Official design sketches show new
Superb will have a more dynamic look, clearly influenced

by the Vision C concept unveiled at Geneva show last year
Racy Golf R-Line revealed

Sportier
styling cues
and extra kit
for racy new
Golf hatch
18 Special Issue
THE Volkswagen Golf range has just

got sportier, thanks to the addition of
a top-spec R-Line trim level. Bringing
styling upgrades and extra equipment
over GT specification, it starts at
24,190 for the 148bhp 1.4 TSI.
For the extra 995 over the
equivalent GT model, the Golf R-Line
bridges the gap between the standard
hatch and the hot GTI and R by adding
a sportier grille, larger air intake plus a
new foglight and bumper design. It also
benefits from larger side skirts and
17-inch Singapore alloy wheels.
At the rear theres a new bumper
with built-in diffuser, while a larger
back spoiler also features. Additions
to the cabin maintain the more

sporting theme, with stainlesssteel pedals and sill inserts, R-Lineembossed front sport seats and a
black roof lining. Completing the
upgrades are a leather gearknob
and sports steering wheel.
R-Line specification is available
with only two engines from the Golf
range: the 1.4 TSI petrol with cylinder
deactivation, or the 148bhp 2.0 TDI
for an extra 505. A six-speed manual
gearbox is standard on both, with a
seven-ratio DSG auto optional on the
petrol and a six-speed DSG on the
diesel. Order books are open now,
and deliveries will start in March.
News
Police surveillance
Cops hit heights to look

Police using HGV cabs to
spot motoring offences
Scheme to be rolled out
nationwide in March
OFFICIAL
Ray Massey
DRIVERS face a new stealth spy in

the cab offensive by police, using a
secret unmarked lorry to catch those
who text and phone at the wheel
or commit other traffic offences.
Thousands of drivers are expected to
be prosecuted when it starts patrolling
the nations motorways and major
A-roads in the spring with a police
driver and an officer armed with a video
camera sitting high above the
traffic on the look-out for offenders.
A support team of two police
motorcyclists and a marked police car in
constant touch with the undercover lorry
will drive nearby to help gather evidence
against motorists committing offences.
These include texting or phoning while
driving, speeding, lane hogging, drink
or drug driving, driving without care
or failing to wear a seatbelt.
Police in the lorry will contact the
support team to stop and deal with
the errant drivers with words of advice,
driver education courses, fixed
penalty notices or summons to court.
Foreign vehicle drivers will be dealt
with through the fixed penalty scheme.
The decision to go national with the
scheme from 30 March follows a threemonth trial between February and April
last year in five police areas headed by
Surrey, and including Hampshire, Sussex,
Thames Valley and Warwickshire, in
conjunction with the Highways Agency.
From this year, itll cover Englands
major motorways and strategic roads,
Thousands of drivers
are expected to be
prosecuted when
the stealth by cab
offensive starts
patrolling the nations
motorways and major
A-roads in the spring
used daily by more than four million

drivers. The aim is to tackle on-themove offenders whom conventional
static speed cameras simply cant spot.
The Highways Agency has paid MAN
Trucks for the hire of the unmarked
heavy goods vehicle lorry cab, which
will be rotated between the 45 police
forces in England. Officers will use the

cab as a mobile observation platform
to look into vehicles which are usually
too high to view from the ground.
A Highways Agency spokesman said:
The aim of extending the project to a
national initiative is not revenue
generation but to improve driver
Ferrari opens up to reveal all on new turb

OFFICIAL
Influence of 458 Italia is clear, but cabin is subtly revised on new 488 GTB
20 Special Issue
IN Issue 1,356, Ferrari revealed its new

turbocharged 458 replacement the
488 GTB. But until now, we had no
images of the updated interior
and could only speculate on
the driver-focused design.
At first glance its similar to the
outgoing 458 Italia, but closer inspection
reveals subtle changes. The fresh
dashboard architecture has new air vents
and the controls for the infotainment,
lights and wipers have been rearranged
around the steering wheel.
As before, Ferrari has opted for a
series of gearbox buttons rather than a
conventional gearlever but now, as on
the new California T, theyre arranged in
a line rather than grouped together on
the centre console. The climate controls
Police surveillance
k down on drivers
N E E D TO KN O W
e will
The national schem with
r
initially run for a yea for
it
an option to extend
s
a fur ther 12 month
bo 488 GTB
are unchanged from the outgoing 458.
The seats also get an update, with a
rounded front edge and trimmed in
a mixture of leather and suede.
Powered by a new 3.9-litre twin-turbo
V8, the 488 GTB ditches the 458s
naturally aspirated 4.5-litre V8, but gets
a 99bhp power boost to 661bhp and an
extra 220Nm of torque for a total of
760Nm. It promises to be the fastest
mid-engined V8 Ferrari ever, eclipsing
even the track-focused 458 Speciale
around Ferraris Fiorano test circuit.
Youll be able to spot one from
the outside thanks to its dual-pipe
arrangement and bigger diffuser at the
rear, double air intakes in the flanks
and shaper front-end styling. The 488
GTB will debut at Marchs Geneva show.
Mat
Watson
Mat_Watson@dennis.co.uk
@mat_watson
Results
During the pilot scheme,
police stopped 436
vehicles and detected
462 offences including...
179 mobile phone offences
126 seatbelt offences
68 not being in proper
control of vehicle
18 driving without due
care and attention
17 speeding
15 defects on vehicles
8 stopping on hard shoulder
7 other offences
5 using the motorway verge
5 having no insurance
4 trailers being driven
in offside lane
3 dangerous or
insecure loads
2 drivers hours offences
2 overweight vehicles
1 contravening motorway
lane restrictions
1 contravening red
traffic lights
1 driving on hard shoulder
behaviour. Last years trial which

was codenamed Operation Tramline
led to the detection of 462 offences,
including evidence of a driver brushing
his teeth while at the wheel, another
reading a newspaper in slow-moving
traffic and another drinking from a beer
can. Professor Stephen Glaister, director
News
of the RAC Foundation, said: This

is less an eye in the sky and more
surveillance six-feet up. Rooting out bad
and anti-social behaviour is important.
He continued: Now motorists
who are tempted to break the law
are likely to have traffic officers
peering right over their shoulders.
AT autoexpress.co.uk/videos, you
can see why we love cheap-to-run
performance cars, as we rate Fords
new 182bhp, 67mpg Focus ST. Plus,
we drive the Tesla Model S from
LA to Phoenix for next to nothing.
Ford Focus ST
diesel review
WHILE Volkswagens been offering

a hot diesel Golf for years, in the
shape of the GTD, its taken until
now for Ford to see the commercial
value of such a car. Has switching
from petrol to diesel power taken
the sting out of the STs tail? With a
182bhp 2.0 TDCi claiming 0-62mph
in 8.1 seconds, it seems not, but
our video reveals the full story.
US road trip in
a Tesla Model S
SPIED
Revised Evora warms up for show

LOTUS hasnt appeared at the Geneva Motor Show for the last three years,
but a heavily updated version of the Evora will mark its return. Spied in full
body camouflage, the 2+2 sports car is expected to receive a boost in power
and a significant weight reduction, plus will offer lower running costs.
There will be modest exterior
updates, too. The wide-mouthed
front bumper is now flanked
by two new air intakes, while
the headlamps will be tweaked.
PAGE 36: Exige auto driven
THERE is no question that the

Tesla Model S is a great car. But
how viable is it for long-distance
use? To find out, editor-in-chief
Steve Fowler drove one from LA
to Phoenix and he also saw how
much more advanced the charging
infrastructure is in the States.
You can watch

any of our videos
on your phone
Simply scan
this QR code.
Special Issue 21
Advertising promotion
THE NEW KODA FABIA

AHEAD BY DESIGN
The All-new koDA Fabia is looking sharper than ever before.

the brands design BOSS JOZEF KABAN explains his stylish creation
THE new KODA Fabia is winning many friends
on account of its great value for money, superb
practicality and fine build quality. But its the classy
design which is arguably the standout feature, as it
pulls off the clever trick of being true to the Fabias
heritage while ushering in an attractive new look.
The man responsible for the transformation is
KODA design chief Jozef Kaban, and we spoke to
him about the challenges involved in creating
such an appealing, yet entirely functional, car.
Kaban is one of the more interesting designers
working in the car industry at present a Slovak who
was sponsored through the Royal College Of Art
design course in London. He has a real understanding
of what the KODA brand stands for, and passionately
believes value-for-money cars can look good, too.
One advantage Kaban had when starting work on
the all-new Fabia was a very clear vision from KODA
boss Dr Winfried Vahland over what was wanted.
Vahland said: I was amazed by the proportions of the
Fabia RS racing car the proportions were so strong.
It was flat, it was wide, it was powerful. So I said I
want a very sporty-looking Fabia, a car that attracts
young people and keeps our elder customers.
So the challenge was clear, but Kaban knew that
executing it would be a fine balancing act. He picks
up the story. We had a strong discussion about
what we could do, he says. This is the third
generation, and for us the Fabia is very important.
In the first and second generation we sold over
three-and-a-half million cars a huge number.
CABIN
New model blends excellent build quality with

practical touches and some cutting-edge tech,
including the pioneering MirrorLink set-up
STYLING
Fabia is sharper and more angular than

before, but familiar KODA styling cues such
as the C-shaped tail-lights are retained
Different
So we know many people are big fans and waiting

for this model with huge expectation. But for the first
and second-generation model, the Fabia was the
entry point to the brand. We now have the Citigo
which is doing this job. For the Fabia, there was
the potential to do something in a different way.
You could theoretically do something which is
more than only continuing what you did [before].
We wanted to keep the genetics of the Fabia,
keep the genetics of new KODAs, but use the
opportunity to make the car a little more sporty,
give it a slightly different look. We used the Vision C
as a base to give the car a bit more character.
The Vision C was, of course, the dramatic 2014
Geneva Motor Show concept that previewed the future
of KODA design. Its influence is clear, with the Fabias
angular flourishes, contoured bonnet and chromerimmed grille all recognisable from the show car.
The sportier flavour was achieved by increasing the
width (by 90mm) and reducing the height (by 30mm)
to give it a much more purposeful, squat stance than
its predecessor. Its the most dynamic-looking Fabia
yet, and with the Colour Concept option which
allows you to jazz up your paintwork by adding a
contrasting silver or white finish to the roof and pillars
this really is a KODA that stands out on the road.
But critically, this funky new attitude and style
had to be allied to substance. Continues Kaban:
Functionally, we made it even stronger. This is
22 Special Issue
INSPIRATION
Vision C concept was unveiled by KODA at

the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, and has paved
the way for an exciting new era of design
something that is very important, because when you

are buying a car, not everyone does so because they
want to be excited. They are not designers or experts
in aesthetics, but pragmatically they need the best
car for their needs and for us, it was important that
the Fabia stayed, as it has been, the best choice [here].
And Kaban believes he has succeeded in his
mission. Now, from the aesthetic point of view,
there is almost a chameleon look, from the normal
elegant appearance to the very provocative colour
combinations a very expressive look, he explains.
While Kaban is delighted with the stylish exterior,
he bubbles over with excitement when talking about
some of the interior advances. MirrorLink the
feature that allows your Android smartphone screen
to be replicated on the central display will, he feels,
be a big hit with young buyers. They will appreciate
this, because they can have all their world, new
technologies, right in front of them, he says.
Its this ability to personalise that he feels is key to
car design in 2015. He rationalises: You give people
the chance to make a closer connection to their car.
Imagine your iPhone when you buy it, it is sterile.
But once you have your stuff on it, it becomes the
most private thing you can imagine. This is what
we want, that the car can become a bit of you. But
We wanted to keep the

genetics of the Fabia, but
use the opportunity to make
the car a little more sporty
JOZEF KABAN CHIEF OF EXTERIOR DESIGN, KODA
Functionally, we made
the Fabia even stronger.
This is something that
is very important.
JOZEF KABAN
all this must be done without compromising KODAs
core values. Says Kaban: When I came to KODA, I
had big ideas about the way the brand should
develop. But it is so healthy, you have to do it with
sensitivity. You dont want to lose this pragmatic car.
You dont want to do just a design-led car.
Vahland believes Kaban has got the balance
just right on the new Fabia. His verdict? For
me, it is a complete KODA functionality,
practicality, roominess and a good design.
For more go to autoexpress.co.uk/skoda-fabia

Watchdog
We get behind the stories that affect you
Chris
Ebbs
Sheer number of claims
for pothole damage
reveals extent of crisis
Graeme Scott could

not believe reason
given for blown ECU
Frozen wipers blow

ECU on readers Civic
CASE STUDY Owner left stunned at 1,600 bill because he activated wipers in frosty weather
Joe Finnerty
COLD weather can cause a whole

string of problems for cars, with frozen
windscreens, dead batteries and icy
roads all posing a danger to drivers.
What you wouldnt expect is a 1,600
repair bill for a blown Electronic Control
Unit (ECU). Yet thats what Graeme Scott,
from Banchory, Aberdeenshire, faced after
trying to switch on his 2006 Honda Civic.
After turning the key in the ignition,
the hatchback wouldnt start, but
flagged up its engine management
light. Graeme got it to a local garage,
which said it was a glow plug fault.
He then booked the car into Hondas
Macrae and Dick dealer in Aberdeen for
a more detailed diagnosis. After several
weeks, Graeme was told it was a blown
ECU. This had been caused by the
window wipers being frozen to the
screen and unable to move when the car
was switched on. This in turn created a
voltage spike which damaged the ECU.
Graeme said: It is unacceptable. Its
costing 1,600 simply because the

wipers were on in frosty weather.
A quick search online revealed
Graeme wasnt the only one to have had
this problem on his Civic. Other owners
were reporting the same failure.
We contacted Honda, feeling that
as it was a known issue, the firm should
be contributing to Graemes 1,600 bill.
A spokeswoman said: When a vehicle
is out of warranty, and has been serviced
outside of the Honda network, it is hard
to offer goodwill gestures as we do not
know the full history of the vehicle.
The vehicle in this instance is fiveand-a-half years out of warranty and has
not been seen by a Honda dealer since
2012. As a company, we pride ourselves
on exceptional customer service, and
would like to reduce Mr Scotts ECU
bill to 500 plus VAT and labour.
Graeme was delighted. He added:
Thats brilliant news I can only
thank Auto Express for all its help.
Its far beyond what I expected.
ADVICE What should you do if it happens to you?

IF you own a Civic of this age, you should be aware of this potential problem.
The best advice is to turn the auto wiper function off to avoid the wipers
trying to start if theyre frozen. Alternatively, remember to check the wipers
arent frozen before switching the engine on to avoid a potentially hefty repair bill.
24 Special Issue
Extent of pothole
claims revealed
A COMPENSATION claim for pothole
damage was made every 11 minutes
by motorists in Great Britain
last year, council figures reveal.
Almost 50,000 drivers lodged
claims in 2013/14, with local councils
shelling out 3.2million, says the RAC
Foundation. Less than a quarter of the
48,664 claims were approved, though.
This dropped to 18 per cent in Wales.
The number of claims in 2013/14
was up on the previous year, yet the
average payout for a successful
claim was down from 357 to 286.
Surrey received the highest number
of claims 3,912 but only approved
20 per cent, paying out 250,289.
Second was Essex with 2,548, but it
signed off on less than four per cent.
IF you ever needed proof of

just how bad conditions are
on Britains roads, one of this
weeks stories (below) paints
a rather worrying picture.
We all know that potholes
have become a major problem
in this country, but for drivers
to be applying for compensation
claims every 11 minutes is
a damning indictment of
the kind of disrepair that
our roads have fallen into.
Whats more concerning
about the data is that less than
a quarter of the claims were
successful. Having dealt with
some Watchdog cases where
drivers have struggled when
arguing a case against councils,
it is easy to understand why
so few complaints result
in a positive outcome.
Often the council will hide
behind excuses as to why it
isnt its fault theres a huge
pothole on the road that has
damaged someones wheel or
suspension. Whether its the
fact that it has only been a
certain amount of time since
it was reported, or that a cone
has been put down to warn
drivers and has subsequently
disappeared this is all
done to dodge blame.
Its all very frustrating for
drivers who end up hundreds
or sometimes thousands
of pounds out of pocket.
The Government recently
announced a 6billion fund
for xing potholes, but if you
ask me it all feels a little too
late, and merely a good news
headline to try to get people
onside at Election time.
@AE_Consumer
Governments
6bn fund for fixing
potholes all feels
a little too late
Inbox
Owner irate at bill

for replacement TT
What do you think?
Contact Joe Finnerty

mail@autoexpress.co.uk
@AutoExpress
Write to: Watchdog/Letters, Auto Express, Dennis Publishing,

30 Cleveland Street, London W1T 4JD
30,000-mile Audi finally fixed, but owner wants new car
SPIED
Readers are
still to be
convinced
next Ka is
right move
for Ford
HOT TOPIC New Ford Ka spied
Chris Ebbs
IF youve had trouble

with a car, but covered quite
a high mileage, should you
pay towards a replacement?
David Robinson, from
Salisbury, Wilts, doesnt
think so. He felt there was
something severely wrong
with the ride and the handling
of his Audi TT Black Edition.
I took out another car and
it felt fine, he said. Despite
regular complaints to his
dealer, it was 13,000 miles
before the garage found the
suspension clamps had
been left on the vehicle.
The gearbox wasnt lined
up with the transfer box,
either, which had caused
damage to components.
A number of other parts
were fixed over more visits
and by the time Audi said it
was fully repaired, David had
done 30,000 miles. Hed lost
faith in the TT, though, and
wanted a replacement, but the
dealer said hed have to pay.
The customer care has
been appalling, David said.
An Audi spokesman told us:
As his car has covered a
considerable mileage and it is
now in sound working order,
we believe that it is fair and
reasonable to request a
financial contribution.
Contacts
THE following provide help with
motoring problems. Some
services are free, others charge
a fee or operate on premiumrate lines (p), while some offer
advice for members only (m).
Faults on TT were finally repaired, but

Audi wanted contribution for new car
DRIVING DOCTOR Paul Ripley

www.drd.uk.com
MANY drivers enjoy helping others

and feel a sense of satisfaction when
doing so. However, a helpful gesture
could involve you inadvertently causing
a pedestrian fatality at a crossing.
If someone is waiting at a crossing,
never wave them across. Let them decide
if its safe. If you gesture a pedestrian
across, you may be liable for being partly
responsible if theyre hit on the crossing
by a vehicle which hasnt stopped.
TOP TIP: Dont tell pedestrians to cross.
Let them take responsibility themselves.
COPS SOUND TYRE ALERT
POLICE figures reveal that 86 per cent

of cars involved in UK road accidents
have incorrect tyre pressures.
In addition, Sussex Police force found
73 per cent of all cars it had checked
recorded pressures outside its tolerance
of 5psi against recommended pressures
from manufacturer handbooks.
And its not just a safety issue. Tyres
that are under-inflated by just 20 per cent
4 to 6psi are likely to see their lifespan
cut, as well as a drop in fuel economy.
Legal
AA: 0906 010 1300 (p)
RAC: 0870 5533 533 (m)
Which?: 01992 822 800
Consumer Direct:
0845 404 0506
Local Trading Standards
Local Citizens Advice Bureau
@drpaulripley
Used car inspections

AA: 0800 085 3007
RAC: 0800 085 2529
Technical advice
AA: 0870 606 1619 (m)
Driving licences
DVLA: 0300 790 6801
FROM: CarGeek ITS really sad to see the rapid decline of Fords products. Its
like the company has given up. How can it be so difficult for Ford to succeed?
A few years ago, almost all its cars were near the top of their respective
classes or way beyond rivals, but now it is churning out some of the least
desirable cars on the market just look at the EcoSport. This One Ford
programme is not working. It was a good experiment by all means, but
its only proven that you cannot cater for every market with one car. Global
needs differ so greatly that it just leads to compromise in each market.
Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk

This could be a Micra
or anything. The original
nineties Ka was funky and
jaw dropping. Ford should
do that again. sirwiggum
Ford needs a low-cost

model to compete with
the bottom of the market.
If its from 6,995, it could
be a winner. John P
Such a shame the Ka

name has been diluted
down to be worn on such
a depressingly sterile
looking model. Chris
Infotainment screens Not all dealers are

need dimming down hard to reason with
FROM: Jim Heaton IVE read with interest
the ongoing debate over daytime
running lights and dipped headlights.
I have also noticed many cars now with
infotainment screens which are very
bright. Surely this is a distraction when
night driving? I learned to drive in cars
where you could dim the dashboard
lights to help you see clearly.
FROM: Rod Harbottle THE problems

readers have trying to get their cars
sorted under warranty by main dealers
make for depressing reading. I recently
bought a used car and when it had a
fault, the garage accepted liability with
no fuss and even authorised a local
dealer to do the work. There are some
excellent dealers out there after all!
Driving while banned Peugeot out of line

should mean prison on steering wheel
FROM: John Jones ITS time for legislation
to instruct judges on serious motoring
offences like driving while disqualified.
Even short sharp shock sentences of
14 days might make many offenders
think twice. It shouldnt be a grey
area youre either driving while your
licence is suspended, or youre not.
Car registration/history
HPI: 01722 422422
AA: 0800 316 3564
DVLA: 0300 790 6802
RAC: 0800 975 5867
Traffic information
AA: 09003 401100 (p)
RAC: 09003 444999 (p)
Problems with dealers

Motor Codes:
0800 692 0825
RMIF: 0845 839 9205 (m)
Scottish Motor Trade
Association: 0131 331 5510
Problems with makers
Motor Codes: 0800 692 0825
FROM: Ron Morgan WHY has Peugeot

started to put the steering wheel in
such a position on some of their small
models that it partially obscures the
instrument panel, so the average driver
cannot easily see? This is positively
dangerous and it should be redesigned.
Come on, Peugeot sort it out.
Financial problems
Financial Ombudsman:
0800 023 4567
Safety concerns/recalls
Vehicle and Operator
Services Agency (VOSA):
0117 954 3300
Special Issue 25
Inside story
A different take on the world of motoring
Mike
Mi Rutherford
mail@autoexpress.co.uk
ma
WHAT do hugely experienced police

officers get up to after theyve been
in the job for 30 years, then exercise
their right to take early retirement?
Some sit back, put their feet up,
watch the sunset and enjoy their
not unreasonable pensions.
But for two close and highly respected
Metropolitan Police colleagues, Chief
Inspector Nigel Walsh and Sergeant Alan
Kitchener, retiring (aged around 50)
from Scotland Yard enabled them to
give birth to XCOPS, which describes
itself as more than just a driving school.
We went along to see what makes
it stand out against standard driving
schools, and find out just what they
thought of our own driving standards.
Much like ex-military personnel, police
officers on retirement can find themselves
slightly limited when looking for a
follow-on career, explains Alan.
Security work, witness statement
taking or accident investigation seems
to be the norm. But Nigel and I looked at
the skills and attributes we had gained,
before concluding that the role of driving
instructor fits the bill for both us.
Apart from having the legal formal
qualifications to offer driving lessons or
specialist sessions to members of the
public, these guys are good perhaps
even at their very best in a crisis.
Nigel served as an advanced police
driver. We worked together for many
years managing major incidents such as
sieges, terrorist incidents, rail crashes,
riots and demonstrations, says Alan.
I had responsibility for controlling
vehicle pursuits and ensuring they
complied with strict ACPO guidelines...
before being concluded safely, of course.
Its fair to say that during this part of my
career, I learnt a thing or two about drivers,
driving, vehicles on the ground and,
come to that, pursuit helicopters above.
So when the two officers recently
retired at around the same time, it was
inevitable that theyd establish and
co-direct XCOPS. Because its still early
days, the company only operates in
southern England. But, via franchisee
WHATS ON OFFER ON
THE XCOPS programme
Hourly lessons from 20.50 to
23, depending on age of pupils
and number of lessons booked.
Two free lessons for new drivers
who pay for several in advance.
A promise to pay for an
XCOP pupils second test if
he or she fails the first.
Mock tests for learners, plus
drivers who qualified years ago but
wonder if theyd pass again today.
Mock test parties for those who
think they are better behind the
wheel than their friends. The
winner receives a coveted Best
Driver certificate from XCOPS.
Welcome back to the road
sessions for qualified motorists
who havent driven for a while.
Country lane driving sessions
including potentially life-saving
tips on how to avoid oncoming
vehicles travelling at high speeds.
Personal security sessions for
drivers and their passengers when
theyre on the road, parking up or
breaking down in remote areas.
Formal or informal appraisal
sessions (not mock tests or retests)
for existing drivers in their
own or XCOP-supplied cars.
Taught
by the
fuzz
TWO FORMER POLICE OFFICERS ARE USING
SKILLS they picked up as cops to teach
learner drivers. We went along to see
how different their driving school really is
HELPING HAND
Former officer Kitchener will dispense

advice from passenger seat during lessons
26 Special Issue
MIKE RUTHERFORD
ALAN KITCHENER
Former Sergeant
had responsibility
for controlling
vehicle pursuits
and ensuring
they adhered
to guidelines
Auto Express columnist

has been driving for many
years but is always keen to
see how skills can be improved
NIGEL WALSH
Ex-Chief Inspector
served as an
advanced driver
during his time
with the Met
and is keen to
pass on advice
The guys have the formal

qualifications to teach
learners, and are perhaps
at their very best in a crisis
Pete Gibson
Special Issue 27
Inside story
XCOPS driving school
opportunities its offering nationwide,

it has exciting plans to serve drivers,
young and old, across Britain.
One of our unique selling points
from day one was that only current or
retired police officers can be XCOPS
instructors, Kitchener continues.
As far as were aware, were the only
school in the country with such a USP.
What customers get when choosing an
XCOPS instructor is someone who is
reliable, very experienced, extensively
and professionally trained, calm under
pressure, able to communicate at all
levels and in possession of a much
needed healthy sense of humour.
Feedback from pupils and parents
of younger drivers underlined that its
these qualities theyre looking for when
choosing instructors for themselves,
their sons or their daughters.
The general view is that coppers
can be trusted. Quite simply, students
quite like the idea of being taught by
men or women who are, or used to be,
police officers. And they seem to enjoy
picking up from us a few tried and
tested official police driving techniques.
Weve been formally taught over
many years to drive to the Police System,
which concentrates on awareness,
anticipation and forward planning but
primarily driving safely. Our real world
experiences dealing with fatal accidents
and the consequences of poor or reckless
driving are passed on to pupils through
our Safe Driving for Life programme.
APPRAISAL TIME
XCOPS found Mike had picked up some

bad habits, which hes vowed to address
Driving test
So, as ex-police officers and now

qualified driving instructors, what do
the pair think of the current driving test?
Says Alan: Its pretty tough and equips
those who are successful to drive to a
decent standard. But it doesnt prepare
them sufficiently due to certain
constraints. For example, motorway
driving cannot be part of the test.
Its not just the standard test that
Alan thinks could be altered, though,
and he wants to see the learning
process go further and not just for those
who have just passed their driving test.
There is a case for compulsory extra
training after getting a full licence
if only to cover motorway and night
driving. Pass Plus covers this, but
is voluntary. A bigger discount
from insurance companies might
tempt more people to take Pass Plus.
Also, some type of modified test for
the over-70s is needed, as the law says
pensioners only have to self-assess their
ability to continue driving. This isnt ideal.
And we at XCOPS would be in favour
of having a formal assessment of non-UK
licence holders before theyre allowed to
use their foreign licences on UK roads.
What worries Alan more, however, is
just how many of us have let our own
driving standards slip over the years.
If ordered to take their driving tests
again today, the majority of existing
drivers would not pass. That scares
me. And it should scare them, too.
28 Special Issue
Mike Rutherfords
driving appraisal
RUTHERFORD RATED Our columnist

demonstrated his ability behind the
wheel before XCOPS gave its verdict
XCOPS would like to

see the learner process
go further than simply
the standard driving test
THIS is not an exam or a mock

test, veteran police officer Alan
Kitchener reiterates to me. Its
just a professional appraisal to
see how you drive in your car
on public roads. So show me.
As I pull away from the kerb,
I whisper mirror, signal,
manoeuvre. The XCOP is
impressed hes convinced
drivers can help themselves by
giving a running commentary on
what theyre doing and seeing.
But he warns that my glance
in my mirrors was too short, I
indicated too long, and my
manoeuvring was a bit hesitant.
Dont be nervous or try to
impress. Just drive as youd
normally drive, Alan insists.
Such appraisals arent intended
to teach already qualified drivers
new tricks. Instead, theyre more
about reminding them of skills,
rules and tips they may not have
thought about learning in the
run-up to their tests years earlier.

It hurts me to admit this, but my
appraisal revealed a number of
bad habits Id picked up over the
years since I passed my test.
One of the first things that
Alan noticed was that I dont
always check my passenger
side mirror when turning left.
As well as this, I was told that
I indicate too often, mainly when
overtaking parked cars, which
youre not meant to do.
Another issue, which Im sure
most of us are guilty of, is that I
occasionally drive one-handed.
Why? I cant answer that.
It was also noted that I
sometimes confuse stop
signals with give way signs.
And I was reminded not to flash
oncoming drivers to proceed, as
it could potentially confuse them.
Whats important about
these sessions is that I
accept and will work on these
constructive criticisms. Theres
no point in paying for expert
advice if youre not prepared
to positively react to it.
New cars
34
Visit autoexpress.co.uk for the latest new cars and drives
MAZDA 2
Verdict on sharp new

supermini thats taking
the fight to the Fiesta.
Pete Gibson
With top down and wind deflector in place, TT is impressively refined at speed
Audi TT
Roadster
FIRST DRIVE Why cool new drop-top

is set to be this summers hottest buy
Ja
Jack Rix
Jac
Jack_R
@jack_rix
AUDI isnt taking any chances with

the third-generation TT Roadster.
Its the lightest, fastest and cleanest car
in the class blowing away both the
BMW Z4 and Mercedes SLK in a game of
Top Trumps and we can confidently say
its the best looking of the bunch, too.
We know the new TTs design isnt
revolutionary, but its hard not to be
seduced by its perfect proportions and
angular surfacing. The Roadster loses
the Coups cramped rear seats and
gains a flatter boot deck plus a pair of
rollover hoops. However, it retains its
siblings precision-sculpted bodywork,
sharp front grille and criss-cross LED
light signature. If convertible sports cars
were purely about desirability, thered
be no need to take the TT for a test drive.
The slimmed-down, twin-motor roof
mechanism weighs 3kg less than its
predecessors and the fabric takes just
10 seconds to fold neatly behind your
head, where it doesnt cut into the
shallow 280-litre boot (25 litres less
than the Coups). You can drop it at up
to 31mph, and doing so shows off the
TTs greatest asset its superb interior.
New additions include a 1,695
open-top driving package, consisting
of head-level seat heating that blows
warm air down the back of your neck,
30 Special Issue
an electric wind deflector and heated

Super Sports seats. Wed recommend
opting for it if you plan on getting
the roof down any time other than
during the height of summer.
The rest of the interior is carried over
from the Coup, but its worth reiterating
the quality of the materials, plus the
brilliance of the 12.3-inch Virtual
Cockpit behind the wheel and the aircon controls integrated into the vents.
Theres a reassuring depth of
engineering, too. Thanks to the adoption
of the steel and aluminium MQB platform,
the new TT Roadster is roughly the same
weight as its predecessor, despite heaps
of extra kit. Reinforcements along the
sills and across the rear bulkhead add
90kg over the equivalent Coup, but at
1,395kg for the front-wheel-drive manual
2.0 TFSI, its still impressively light.
Engine choices include the 181bhp
2.0 TDI Ultra, which is only available
with a six-speed manual box and frontwheel drive and capable of returning
65.7mpg and emitting 114g/km of CO2.
At the other end of the scale is the
quattro-only 306bhp TTS, while the
entry-level 227bhp 2.0 TFSI comes
with front or quattro four-wheel drive
and the choice of a manual or sixspeed dual-clutch S tronic gearbox.
We drove the 227bhp 2.0 TFSI
S tronic quattro, and its safe to say
Essentials
Audi TT Roadster 2.0
TFSI quattro S line
Price:
Engine:
Power/torque:
Transmission:
0-62mph:
Top speed:
Economy:
CO2:
37,555
2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
227bhp/370Nm
Six-speed twin-clutch
auto, four-wheel drive
5.6 seconds
155mph
42.2mpg
154g/km
ON SALE Now
that four-cylinder turbo engines dont
get any freer-revving than this, or indeed
sound any better. Theres a throaty bark
whenever you prod the throttle, especially
in Dynamic mode the sportiest of five
Drive Select settings for acceleration,
steering and gearbox, plus suspension
if adaptive magnetic dampers are fitted.
The box is beautifully intuitive, too,
shifting right on cue in auto mode and
pinging instantly up and down when
using the paddles behind the wheel.
With 370Nm of torque, only 10Nm
less than in the TTS, the car can be
DRIVE SELECT Five driving
modes tweak throttle, suspension,

exhaust, steering and gearbox for
better economy or a sharper drive
36
LOTUS EXIGE AUTO
Six-speed paddleshift
box aims to give twoseater fresh appeal.
38
CAYENNE GTS
We drive fully loaded,

434bhp Porsche SUV on
ice. Plus, new Turbo S.
40
JUKE NISMO RS
Hot crossover left us cold

with 4WD and CVT. Now
we try 2WD manual car.
42
FOCUS ST ESTATE
Updated 247bhp fast

Ford wagon blasts off. Is
it the king of the load?
Performance
Running costs
0-62mph/top speed
42.2mpg (official)
5.6 seconds/155mph
59 fill-up
If convertible sports cars were purely about desirability,

thered be no need to take TT Roadster for a test drive
n e e d t o k n o w. . .
the UKs love

Surprisingly, given expects
di
for conver tibles, Au
ount for only
the Roadster to acc
TT sales
20 per cent of new
ROOF Pull the button in the centre

console up, and the roof retracts in a
lightning-fast 10 seconds. Plus, it can
be operated at speeds up to 31mph
Cabin features top-class materials and smart touches, including the Virtual Cockpit and air-con controls in the air vents
Special Issue 31
Audi TT Roadster
arate
Audi now has 51 sep ed
par
models on sale, com
02
to just 17 back in 20
Newcars
BIG WHEELS
Huge, 19-inch rims

contribute to the firm
ride, but TT Roadster
doesnt crash into
bumps in the road
EQUIPMENT
Optional Super
Sports seats
feature head-level
heating; boot is
shallow but has net
to hold bags in
place, while exhaust
note is sporty for
a four-cylinder car
driven in a variety of ways: either

ither by
riding the torque in a higher gear and
nd
keeping things smooth, or unlocking the
engines full potential higher up in the
rev range. We also had a go in the TTS,
and while it punches significantly harder
down the straights, its the less powerful
version that feels sweeter on public
roads, because it lets you deploy more
of its performance, more of the time.
The updated four-wheel-drive system,
which can send up to 100 per cent of
torque to the rear axle, is a nice security
net, especially on greasy surfaces.
However, dont assume Audis
claims that safe, controllable drifts are
possible on low-friction surfaces mean
its now a match for the Porsche Boxster
dynamically. The handling is secure and
stability in corners is superb, but the TT

still tends to understeer on the limit and
always feels best being driven at seventenths, rather than on the ragged edge.
The variable ratio steering, which
quickens up the more you turn the wheel,
helps the Roadster feel more agile than
either of its predecessors, but theres
barely any feedback on what the front
wheels are up to. Despite the 19-inch
alloys on our S line test car, the ride
has a reassuring firmness for a sports
car, yet didnt crash over every crack

and hollow. Thats because the firmer
and 10mm lower sports suspension
(a no-cost option) wasnt added.
With the roof up, refinement is good,
but not perfect. There was an annoying
whistle from wind over the left wing
mirror, plus more tyre roar on rough
motorways than you get with the Coup.
Drop the roof with the windows
and wind deflector in place, and the
cabin is remarkably calm, though. You
can even make hands-free calls using
the microphone built into the seatbelt.
Variable ratio steering helps the Roadster

feel more agile than either of its predecessors
Verdict
THE TT Roadster is a beautifully
designed package. Theres a
feeling of solidity to everything
you touch and cutting-edge tech
wherever you turn. The addition of
a folding fabric roof hasnt affected
the Coups handling too much,
but its still no match for a Porsche
Boxster. Drive swiftly but sensibly,
though, and the TTs smooth turbo
engine and four-wheel-drive grip
allow you to carry effortless speed
through corners, while making you
look and feel fantastic which is
what a sports car is all about.
Special Issue 33
New cars
Mazda 2
Essentials
Mazda 2 1.5 74bhp SE-L
Price:
Engine:
Power:
Transmission:
0-62mph:
Top speed:
Economy:
CO2:
12,995
1.5-litre 4cyl petrol
74bhp
Five-speed manual,
front-wheel drive
12.1 seconds
107mph
60.1mpg
110g/km
ON SALE March
EQUIPMENT Entry-level SE and
mid-spec SE-L cars get a screen with an

integrated radio, plus standard air-con,
electric mirrors and a steering wheel with
reach and rake adjustment. Bigger central
display (right) features on higher-spec cars
PRACTICALITY Boot space
measures up at 280 litres, which

is 10 litres less than a Ford Fiestas
capacity. Fold the seats down, and the
load capacity swells to a respectable
950 litres 24 litres less than Fords
Mazda handles superbly, while the five-speed gearbox is precise and

fun to shift up or down. Revvy engine is also a very willing performer
James Batchelor
Jame
James_Batchelor@dennis.co.uk
@JRRBatchelor
WERE already big fans of the allnew Mazda 2, having driven a pair
of pre-production versions late last year.
But this is our first chance to take the
wheel of the full production car, fitted
with the entry-level petrol engine.
You can order the 2 with a 1.5-litre
SkyActiv-G petrol unit, producing
89bhp or 113bhp further up the range.
But for base S and mid-spec SE-L
models, the 1.5 can be selected with
a modest 74bhp and 135Nm of torque.
As a result, it takes 12.1 seconds to
go from 0-62mph, returns fuel economy
of 60.1mpg, emits 110g/km of CO2
and slots into tax band B meaning
that a years road tax costs just 20.
Just like its more powerful brothers,
and the upgraded 129bhp version we
34 Special Issue
drove in the new MX-5 in Issue 1,356,

the 74bhp 1.5 is well suited to the job
in hand. It feels a little sluggish from
a standstill, but once past 2,000rpm,
the power kicks in and the engine
revs cleanly all the way up to 7,000rpm.
We wouldnt get too close to the red
line, though, as the dinky engine gets
vocal past 4,000rpm and its a din that
quickly becomes tiresome. But theres
no doubt that its willing and loves to
rev, even if its noisy when doing so.
Show it a series of corners, and, as
weve come to expect from all modern
Mazdas, the handling has a sparkle to it
that few rivals can match. Its brilliantly
agile, theres loads of grip and the
available a
Head-up display is Its par t of
.
ini
erm
sup
a
first for
but it only
a 400 safety pack,
models
v
Na
ort
Sp
comes on
Mazd
FIRST DRIVE Fun-to-
steering is direct, if a bit light. The fivespeed box has a precise mechanical
action, just like the MX-5s, that
makes changing gears a pleasure.
Once at cruising speed, the longgeared manual helps to settle the car
down, and thanks to 15-inch wheels
wearing tyres with deep sidewalls, plus
good sound insulation, the interior
is hushed and comfortable.
The car in our pictures is a Europeanspec model, so isnt representative of
UK versions, but the 1.5 comes in two
trim levels base SE and mid-spec SE-L.
Go for the SE at 11,995, and youll get
electric mirrors, an adjustable drivers
seat and a steering wheel with reach
Show it a series of corners, and the handling

has a sparkle to it that few rivals can match
Mazda 2
New cars
At cruising speed, the new 2 is

refined, plus 15-inch alloys look
good; rear space is tight, though
a2
Performance
Running costs
0-62mph/top speed
60.1mpg (official)
12.1 seconds/107mph
47 fill-up
drive supermini lives up to our high expectations

Up front, theres room for six-footers,
but cabin materials feel a bit cheap
and rake adjustment and audio controls.
For 1,000 more, SE-L adds alloys,
foglamps, heated folding mirrors, a
leather steering wheel and gearlever,
60:40 split-fold rear seats and Bluetooth.
Both pack a lot of kit for not a lot of
money, and their reasonable price tags
are further backed up with stylish looks.
The 2 carries on the Kodo design
language first seen on the larger
Mazda 3, 6 and CX-5 models and
works particularly well on such a small
car. The bold front leads on to sharp
creases on the sides and theres a
swoopy roofline. A squat rear-end
nicely finishes off the sporty look.
Its really only the dashboard plastics
that let the cabin down for us. While the
design is pleasantly different from

the competition, you wont find many
soft-touch materials on this entry-level
car. Things improve on the higher trim
grades, but there are vast swathes of
scratchy and hard plastics here.
Its not the roomiest, either. While
theres plenty of space for six-footers
up front, the new Hyundai i20 trumps
the 2 in the rear, as headroom is a
little tight. Boot capacity stands at
280 litres just 10 litres less than
a Fiestas which is adequate.
Mazda feels UK buyers will more
likely opt for the higher-powered 89bhp
version, and wed agree its the better
choice. But if you only have around
13,000 to spend and you want a funto-drive supermini thats more stylish
than a Ford Fiesta, the Mazda 2 is a
well rounded and very likeable little car.
Verdict
UNTIL weve driven a UK model,
well reserve judgement as to
whether the 2 handles better than
a Ford Fiesta, but itll be close. The
1.5 SkyActiv-G is great, while the
rest of the package is stylish, offers
good value and is fun to drive.
Pricier diesel units are more
economical, while the higherpowered 89bhp 1.5 petrol is the
best all-rounder. Yet if youre on a
budget, this 74bhp version is ideal.
Special Issue 35
New cars
Lotus Exige S
In the UK, Lotus sold just 235

cars in 2014, down from 256 in
2013, but sales are up 63 per
cent globally year-on-year
Essentials
Lotus Exige S
Roadster auto
Price:
Engine:
Power:
Transmission:
0-62mph:
Top speed:
Economy:
CO2:
57,500
3.5-litre 6cyl scharged
345bhp
Six-speed automatic,
rear-wheel drive
3.9 seconds
145mph
29.4mpg
222g/km
ON SALE Now
Pete Gibson
LotusExigeauto
Running costs
29.4mpg (official)
43 fill-up
PRACTICALITY There is decent

space for two despite access being
a little tricky, but the 98-litre boot
is only good for storing the roof
FIRST DRIVE Paddleshift box aims to boost sports cars appeal

Jonat
Jonathan Burn
Jonathan_Burn@dennis.co.uk
Jonath
@Jonathan_burn
LOTUS philosophy has long been to

add lightness, but in the Exige S,
the brands latest addition comes in
the shape of a new six-speed torque
converter auto gearbox.
This transmission isnt strictly new,
as it has been adopted from the Evora,
but its the first time it has been made
available in the Exige S. The reason
for its introduction is very simple
to help boost sales at minimal cost
and open up the market to a new
customer base. But is it any good?
Youll pay a reasonable 2,000 extra
for the auto over the manual, with the
option of a Coup or Roadster remaining.
The control panel for the box is
neatly crafted into the centre console.
Simply depress the brake, prod D and
youre off at speed, too. Stab the
accelerator and the rear tyres fight for
traction, yet its quicker from 0-62mph
than the manual, taking 3.9 seconds.
The stonking 345bhp 3.5-litre V6 still
nestles behind you, screaming all the
way to 7,000rpm, but pulling on the
EQUIPMENT A Race Pack
adds Lotus four-way DPM traction

control system, as well as launch
control, active exhaust valve and
optimised sports suspension
Centre console houses the auto boxs

control panel in the Lotus basic cabin
right paddle reveals a notable lack of

urgency when selecting the next ratio.
Manual upshifts are laboured, which
saps away the cars momentum, but
downshifts feel more urgent. Theyre
still a world away from the rapid-fire PDK
youll find in a Porsche Cayman, though.
Leaving the gearbox to its own
devices shows the Exige S at its best.
Changes are well judged, if a little
sluggish, but selecting Race on the
Dynamic Performance Management
(DPM) system sharpens throttle response
and adds some much-needed precision.
Happily, the agile, balanced and
responsive nature of the Exige S hasnt
been affected. The steering is loaded
with feedback, and while the ride is
on the firm side, it provides an insight
into what the car is doing on the road.
WHEELS Standard kit includes
a set of 17 or 18-inch alloys, with a

Convenience Pack, Premium Pack and
Premium Pack Sport also available
Verdict
LOTUS predicts more than a third
of Exige S sales could be made up
of autos, yet this unresponsive
box doesnt match the rest of the
cars cat-like reflexes. There have
been improvements in efficiency
and acceleration, but not enough
to make you want to ditch the
third pedal. Still, the Exige S
proves Lotus still builds some of
the best-handling cars around.
New cars
Porsche Cayenne GTS

between
The GTS is positioned Cayenne
the
and
S
e
enn
Cay
the
ered the
Turbo, and is consid range
the
in
del
mo
est
rti
spo
PorscheCayenneGTS
Performance
0-62mph/top speed
5.2 seconds/163mph
FIRST DRIVE Smaller, more economical engine doesnt spoil fun for sporty new SUV
Richa
Richard Ingram
Richa
@cutt_ings
IN the search for more eco-friendly

figures, Porsche has ditched the old
Cayenne GTSs V8 petrol in favour of a
more economical V6 turbo. The great
news is that this boasts an extra 20bhp
and 85Nm more torque, at 434bhp and
600Nm respectively, and shaves half-asecond off the previous 0-62mph time.
The GTS feels brutally fast even on ice
and is as tactile as ever. Its much more
agile than the more expensive Turbo, too,
and the PSM safety systems seem far
less inclined to cut power when youre
driving near or at the limit. As a result,
we managed some glorious powerslides
in the snow at Porsches winter driving
facility in Skelleftea, Sweden, but these
should be filed under dont try at home.
The standard sports exhaust sounds
great, growling under hard acceleration
and burbling at lower speed. Push
the Cayenne into a tighter corner and
theres very little body roll. Granted,
we were more concerned with keeping
the GTS in a straight line on the ice,
but its lost none of the dynamism that
made it such fun to drive before.
Every GTS has PASM adaptive dampers,
with air-suspension an option. The latter
lowers the car by 20mm, while the steel

springs put the GTS 24mm closer to the
ground than on a normal Cayenne S.
The eight-speed Tiptronic is swift and
smooth, and will hold on to the gears if
you ask it to. Sport Plus mode sharpens
things up, and makes the most of the revs.
Front styling is shared with the Cayenne
Turbo, and a standard Sport Design
package adds chunkier side sills and
flared arches. The 20-inch black alloys
are a GTS signature, as are the badges
on the front doors. The cabin gets a set
of Alcantara and leather sports seats,
with GTS embossed on the headrests.
These dash is beautifully stitched, too.
Porsche expects only 11 per cent of
Cayennes sold here to carry the GTS
badge, compared to around 60 per cent
for the two diesels. This is no surprise
when you consider its onlyy 0.2 seconds
om 0-62mph,
faster than the S Diesel from
t. Its over
and 6mph quicker flat-out.
10,000 more expensive, too, and
er
will do around seven fewer
miles to the gallon.
The smart money is
on the top-spec diesel
but if you want the besthandling Porsche SUV,
the GTS warrants a place
at the top of your list.
Our man savours new Cayenne GTSs sharp responses in the snow in Sweden
The Cayenne GTS feels brutally fast

even on ice and is as tactile as ever
38 Special Issue
Porsche Cayenne Turbo S
Essentials
Porsche Cayenne GTS
Price:
Engine:
Power:
Transmission:
0-62mph:
Top speed:
Economy:
CO2:
72,523
3.6-litre V6, twin-turbo
434bhp/600Nm
Eight-speed auto,
four-wheel drive
5.2 seconds
163mph
28.2mpg
234g/km
New cars
PorscheCayenneTurboS
FIRST DRIVE Mega 4x4 is amazing to drive as it should be for 120k
Essentials
Porsche Cayenne
Turbo S
Price:
Engine:
Power:
Transmission:
118,455
4.8-litre V8, twin-turbo
562bhp
Eight-speed auto,
four-wheel drive
0-62mph: 4.1 seconds
Top speed: 176mph
Economy/CO2: 24.6mpg/267g/km
ON SALE Now
ON SALE Now
EQUIPMENT Dials control raft
of driver aids, while sat-nav, climate

control and specially embossed seats
(below) are standard on 72,500 GTS.
Superb sports exhaust is included, too
EQUIPMENT Top-spec Cayenne
has all the drive modes, including

PDCC active chassis control, as well as
beautiful leather and metal finishes
ENGINE New, more efficient
3.6-litre bi-turbo V6 replaces the

4.8-litre naturally aspirated V8, and
delivers 434bhp. Economy is up by
a little over 2mpg, to 28.2mpg
Verdict
IF youre looking to own one

of the best-handling full-size
SUVs on the market, then you
cant go wrong with the Porsche
Cayenne GTS. Its just as sharp
as ever to drive and, despite
the new, smaller engine, its
even quicker than before.
That said, its Cayenne S Diesel
stablemate makes a stronger
case still; it offers nearly
as much fun behind the wheel,
with 35mpg economy and
a 10k lower list price.
Interior is as luxurious as ever, and

comes with loads of kit as standard
Richard Ingram
Richa
Richa
@cutt_ings
FEW people can justify a 562bhp V8

super-SUV, but if you can, heres the
new range-topping Cayenne Turbo S.
With an extra 20bhp and 50Nm more
torque than its predecessor, this 2.3tonne 4x4 sprints from 0-62mph in 4.1
seconds faster than the Cayman GT4.
It belies its size, too. Porsches PDCC
active chassis control does a frankly mindblowing job of keeping the car in check,
with little or no body roll even at very high
speed. Clever torque vectoring works in
conjunction with the four-wheel-drive
system to allow breathtaking cornering
speeds, while switching off the stability
control entices ludicrous amounts
of slip from the back wheels.
On ice even a family hatchback can
be made to slide like a sports car, but
we also tested the Turbo S on some
remote Swedish B-roads, motorways
and even around town. The breadth of
Turbo S lapped the Nrburgring

Nordschleife in seven minutes
59.74 seconds, taking the record
from the Range Rover Sport SVR
this cars abilities never fails to impress

and so it should, for nearly 120k.
Plant your right foot at any speed
and it takes off, with 800Nm coming
in from only 2,500rpm. It pins you back
in your seat with an instant rush from
the two turbos. Stopping isnt an issue,
either. The Turbo S has 10-piston 420mm
ceramic brakes at the front, giving fadefree performance. This, in conjunction
with the PDCC system, helped the topspec Cayenne smash Land Rovers SUV
Nrburgring lap record by more than 14
seconds towards the end of last year.
Huge 21-inch alloys, leather sports
seats and sat-nav are standard, but a
reversing camera, heated windscreen
and lane-departure warning are options.
The sports exhaust costs nearly 2,000
and the brilliant high-end Burmester
stereo comes in at a little over 2,400.
Its clear that Porsche wants very few
buyers to walk away with a list price car.
PDCC active chassis control does a frankly

mind-blowing job of keeping the car in check
EXTRAS Our car came with the
2,400 optional Burmester stereo,

although the standard Bose system
does the job. Sat-nav is standard
STYLING LED headlamps and
21-inch wheels signify Turbo S,

although there arent many other
visual clues to its top-spec status
Verdict
THE new Turbo S joins the BMW
X6M and Range Rover Sport SVR
in a growing list of mega-SUVs.
With performance to shame most
sports cars, the way in which the
Cayenne belies its bulk is truly
astonishing. Yes, its expensive,
but if you want a 562bhp superSUV, its price is unlikely to matter.
Special Issue 39
New cars
Juke was
The standard Nissan ng new
elli
t-s
bes
h
10t
s
UK
the
total of
car in 2014, with a
istered
reg
les
mp
exa
3
39,26
Essentials
Nissan Juke Nismo RS
Price:
Engine:
Power:
Transmission:
0-62mph:
Top speed:
Economy:
CO2:
21,650
215bhp
Six-speed manual,
front-wheel drive
7.0 seconds
137mph
39.2mpg
165g/km
ON SALE Now
Performance
0-62mph/top speed
7.0 seconds/137mph
NissanJuke
NismoRS2WD
EQUIPMENT Recaro wing-back

bucket seats are a 1,300 option,
but worth the money, as they provide
a proper hot hatch look and feel
FIRST DRIVE Do RS upgrades make more sense with manual box?

Ja
Jack Rix
Jack_R
Jac
@jack_rix
AFTER nearly three years in UK

showrooms and 6,000 examples
sold, the Nissan Juke Nismo is dead.
In its place comes something even
hotter, though the Juke Nismo RS. To
avoid cluttering the range, the new car
replaces the non-RS version completely,
adding more power, better brakes, a
stiffer chassis and an upgraded exhaust.
In Issue 1,356, we drove the less
potent four-wheel-drive model,
which showed potential but was
hobbled by its CVT box. This frontwheel-drive manual sounds much
more promising, with a 215bhp
1.6-litre turbo engine (18bhp more
than before), six-speed box and a
front limited-slip differential. Its good
value, too, costing just 1,150 more
than the outgoing model at 21,650.
Slip into the Recaro bucket seats and
grip the Alcantara-wrapped wheel, and
the Nismo RS feels like a proper hot
hatch should. Push the starter button,
and its a little more disappointing the
engine buzzes away under the bonnet
but never sounds particularly exciting.
Its a similar story when you stretch its
legs, because as the revs rise, the
engine drones rather than sings.
Theres nothing wrong with the
way it accelerates, though, going from
0-62mph in 7.0 seconds despite the
lack of excitement in the process.
Things improve in corners thanks to
the sharp steering, lack of body roll for
such a high-riding car and the sheer
40 Special Issue
PRACTICALITY RS has a 354-litre

boot capacity with the back seats up
and 1,189 litres with them down. Twolevel floor makes space more usable
Long-throw gearlever shifts well; Ancantara wheel feels great
Bodykit and diffuser help Nismo RS

stand out, as does loud exhaust note
amount of grip, but its the differential

that makes all the difference. It allows
you to get back on the throttle early,
feel the outside front tyre dig deep
and catapult you out the other side.
Fortunately, Nissan has resisted the
temptation to firm up the suspension
too much compared to the standard
car. Its noticeably more brittle over
potholes and speed bumps, yet its
mostly comfortable and refined enough
to be driven every day. Meanwhile,
the gearlever has a long throw, but
a tight, mechanical action.
The standard Juke is already
aimed at extroverts, although youll
need to be brave to drive the Nismo
RS. Available in white, black or silver
with trademark red pinstripes, 18-inch
wheels and red brake calipers, its an
unusual sight on the road, as theres
nothing quite like it out there.
WHEELS Striking 18-inch alloys
are fitted as standard, as are red

calipers. Theyre part of upgraded
brake system with bigger front discs
Verdict
YOU have to admire the originality
of the Juke Nismo, and the RS
upgrades mean its faster and
more capable than ever. Its
reasonably good value, too, when
you consider the performance
and equipment on offer. We only
wish that the muted drivetrain
felt more special more of the
time, which would be in keeping
with the outrageous exterior.
New cars
Ford Focus ST-3 Estate
Performance
Practicality
0-62mph/top speed
Boot (seats up/down)
8.3 seconds/154mph
476/1,502 litres
FordFocusSTEstate
FIRST DRIVE Updates promise to make fast estate more fun than ever
Jack Rix
Jac
Jack_R
@jack_rix
HOT estates are making a serious

comeback of late. Forget the array
of V8-powered Mercedes AMG wagons
currently available, were talking about
mainstream family cars with a sting in
their tail. The Skoda Octavia vRS has
been around for a couple of years now,
but youll soon be able to buy a SEAT
Leon Cupra ST, while a new Volkswagen
Golf GTD Estate has been confirmed
for the Geneva Motor Show in March.
Ford can claim some credit for the
renewed interest its been offering a
Focus ST Estate since 2012, and thanks
to a recent series of mechanical and
cosmetic updates, it should be better to
drive and as practical as ever. It threw in
a curveball for the facelift, too, because
you can now order your fast Focus Estate
with the choice of a 247bhp 2.0-litre
42 Special Issue
EcoBoost petrol engine or a 182bhp

2.0 TDCi diesel. We drove the diesel
ST hatch in Issue 1,355, so its the
petrol wagon were focusing on here.
From a purely practical point of view,
the Focus Estate could well be all the car
you ever need. Open the large tailgate
and theres 476 litres with the rear seats
up, or a whopping 1,502 litres with them
down, forming a perfectly flat load space.
Compare that to 316 litres and 1,101
litres respectively for the hatchback
and the benefits are easy to see.
OK, so theres a slight penalty in
terms of price and performance the
Estate costs 1,100 more than the
equivalent hatchback and takes 0.2
seconds longer to cover 0-62mph.
But remarkably, claimed fuel
economy and CO2 emissions are
identical at 41.5mpg and 159g/km
respectively an improvement of six
per cent over the pre-facelift model
thanks to the addition of stop-start. On

public roads, the performance gap is
impossible to spot. The Estate thunders
down the road with the same force as
the hatchback, and thanks to its rush of
turbocharged acceleration feels even
quicker than the numbers suggest.
The best part about its direct
injection EcoBoost engine, though, is its
flexibility. A generous 345Nm of torque
available from low-down in the rev range
means its just as easy to select a higher
gear and feather the throttle to make
smooth and serene progress. To uncork
the full performance potential, you simply
let it rev and enjoy the rasping exhaust
note until its time to change up.
Things dont fall to bits in corners,
either. In fact, despite the extra weight
over the rear axle, it handles just like the
hatch, which is great news for the driver
if not for the dog in the boot. Changes
to the chassis and hardware include
PRACTICALITY Load bay is

impressive. Plus, rear seats fold
flat, providing 1,502 litres of space
400 litres more than in the hatch
us RS will
We now know the Foc l-drive fivehee
r-w
fou
bhp
316
a
be
prisingly
door hatch, but unsur an estate
for
ns
pla
no
are
re
the
New cars
Essentials
Price:
Engine:
Power:
Transmission:
0-62mph:
Top speed:
Economy:
CO2:
27,095
247bhp
Six-speed manual,
front-wheel drive
6.7 seconds
154mph
41.5mpg
159g/km
ON SALE Now
INTERIOR
New interior layout

is far less cluttered
than before, with
large eight-inch
touchscreen on
top-spec models
running on latest
Ford Sync 2 software
ENGINE In the world of hot
hatches, 247bhp really isnt that

much any more, but youll be
surprised at just how strongly the
2.0-litre EcoBoost hauls you along
EQUIPMENT All models get
well bolstered Recaro seats, but

top-spec ST-3 features heated,
leather-wrapped versions that are
electrically adjustable as standard
Thanks to its rush of turbocharged acceleration,

ST feels even quicker than numbers suggest
new front springs and slightly stiffer
dampers all-round. As a result, body
roll is minimal, but while the suspension
never crashes over bumps, it does feel
busy over less-than-perfect surfaces.
Theres a quicker ratio for the
variable electromechanical steering,
too, which means the Estates nose
darts immediately to where you point
it almost too quickly at first but
you soon get used to steering with your
wrists, rather than taking armfuls of
lock. Up the speed and the ST stays well
within its comfort zone its a car that
actually gets better the faster you drive
it, leaning on the outside tyres and
testing the levels of grip. But caution
is advised: carry too much speed into a

corner or jump on the throttle too early
and the STs spiky power delivery is
quick to spin up the front tyres and
send you understeering across the road.
The question you now have to ask is
whether you want this full-fat petrolpowered ST, or its tamer diesel sister
car. If youre already a hot hatch fan,
then only the snappy petrol version will
quench your thirst for speed, but the
diesels superior fuel economy seems
to go hand in hand with the Estates
practical layout. Whats clear is that the
Focus ST is one of the most competent
and rounded hot hatches out there, and
now theres a version for everyone.
Verdict
IT seems strange that hot wagons
arent more popular, because
this ST Estate delivers all the
handling, speed and excitement
of the hatch, with genuine family
friendly practicality. Despite
power output staying constant,
the EcoBoost engine is a peach,
even if the ride is a bit nibbly.
If you prioritise fuel economy
then the diesel is a better idea,
but if its thrills youre after, the
petrol car wins hands down.
Special Issue 43
Volvo V60 Polestar
New cars
Coming soon
FORD
MONDEO
VIGNALE 2015
Mondeo will be the

first of Fords new
Vignale models,
offering a premium
buying experience.
VolvoV60 Polestar
FIRST DRIVE Hot estate hails new performance line
Volvo V60 Polestar
Price:
Engine:
Power:
Transmission:
0-62mph:
Top speed:
Economy:
CO2:
49,775
3.0-litre in-line 6cyl, turbo
345bhp
Six-speed automatic,
four-wheel drive
4.9 seconds
155mph (limited)
27.7mpg
237g/km
FAMILY CARS
Alfa Romeo Giulia

Alfa Romeo Giulia Estate
Audi A3 three-cylinder
Audi A4
BMW 1 Series facelift
BMW 3 Series Plug-in
BMW i5
Ford Mondeo Vignale
Honda FCEV
Infiniti Q30
Jaguar XE
Mercedes CLA Shoot. Brake
MG5
MINI Clubman
Nissan Leaf
Porsche Panamera estate
Renault Espace
Skoda Superb
Skoda Fabia estate
Tesla Model III
Toyota Prius
Toyota Mirai
Vauxhall Astra
VW Beetle Dune
VW Golf Alltrack
VW Golf CC
VW Golf R estate
VW Passat Alltrack
VW Passat GTE
ON SALE Now
Dean Gibson
Dean_Gibson@dennis.co.uk
WHILE Volvo boasts a strong

reputation for safety, it doesnt have
the performance credentials of some
of its rivals. However, the manufacturer
is addressing that issue with the launch
of its Polestar division and the first
model in the range is the V60 Polestar.
The estates body has been pumped
up, and under the skin is a 345bhp
transverse straight-six turbo coupled
to Haldex 4WD and a six-speed
Geartronic auto. It produces 500Nm
of torque from 2,800rpm, and under
hard acceleration delivers a scream
not dissimilar to that of a Jaguar F-Type.
Whats more, this estate can sprint
from 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds, which
means it can give plenty of racy coups
a run for their money. Unfortunately, the
gearbox is a bit of a letdown; its upshifts
are slow, while changing down multiple
ratios is an exercise in patience.
Theres plenty of grip from the 4WD
system, though, and sharp Brembo
brakes deliver great stopping power.
Those large 20-inch wheels look as
though they should deliver a bonejarring ride, but the standard-fit Ohlins
dampers mean that while the car is stiff,
the suspension is more comfortable
than youll find in some performance
models fitted with smaller rims.
A near-50k price tag is steep, yet
the V60 Polestar is loaded with gear,
including sat-nav, heated leather and
Alcantara sports seats and the usual raft
of safety kit. Distinctive Rebel Blue paint
helps to shout about its potential, too.
SUPERMINIS
Fiat 500
Ford Ka
Honda Jazz
Hyundai i20 Coup
Mazda 2
Renaultsport Twingo
Renault ZOE update
SEAT Ibiza
Skoda Fabia
Smart ForTwo
Smart ForFour
Suzuki Celerio
Vauxhall Adam S
Vauxhall Corsa VXR
Vauxhall Viva
SPORTS CARS
Roomy, high-quality cabin boasts a high kit count,

with sat-nav, heated leather and Alcantara seats
Verdict
ON THE ROAD
Hot V60s responses

are dulled a little
by slow-shifting
box, but 4WD gives
superb grip, ride
is surprisingly
comfortable and
brakes impress
THE V60 Polestar falls

between Audis S4 and RS4
Avant estates. Its loaded
with kit, plus has plenty of
power and unbreakable grip,
while the ride is far better
than in either Audi. If only
the automatic gearbox
was more responsive.
2016
mid 2015
early 2015
March
spring
late 2015
spring
2016
early 2015
early 2015
early 2015
February
April
spring
spring
late 2015
late 2015
late 2015
mid 2015
2015
mid 2016
2016
mid 2015
mid 2015
spring
spring
early 2015
early 2015
early 2015
mid 2016
2016
late 2015
summer
early 2015
2016
late 2015
late 2015
late 2015
late 2015
mid 2015
2015
spring
summer
June
Alfa 4CStradale
2015
Alfa 6C
2016
Aston Martin DB9
late 2016
Aston Martin V8 Vantage
early 2016
Audi RS3
spring
Audi A5
spring 2016
Audi R4
2016
Audi R8
mid 2015
Audi TT Sportback
2016
Audi TT Sport Quattro
2016
BMW M1
2016
BMW M2
mid 2015
Caterham sports car
2016
Chevrolet Corvette Z06
spring
Ferrari 458M
spring
Fiat Spider
late 2015
Ford Focus RS
2016
Ford Mustang
early 2015
Honda Civic Type R
March
Honda NSX
mid 2015
Infiniti Q60
2016
Jaguar XE SVR
early 2016
Kia GT4 Stinger
2016
Lamborghini Asterion LP910-4
2017
Lexus GS-F
late 2015
Lexus RC
late 2015
Lexus LF-LC
2016
Maserati Alfieri
2016
Maserati GranTurismo
late 2017
McLaren P13
2015
Mercedes-AMG GT
early 2015
Mercedes C 450 AMG Sport
spring
MG TF replacement
2015
MINI JCW
early 2015
Nissan Pulsar Nismo
mid 2015
Peugeot 308 R
mid 2015
Porsche Cayman GT4

Porsche GT3 RS
Porsche 911 facelift
Porsche 961
Porsche Pajun
Renault Alpine
Toyota FT-1 (Supra)
Vauxhall Monza
SUVs
Alfa Romeo SUV

Aston Martin SUV
Audi Q1
Audi Q5
Audi Q6
Audi Q7
Audi Q8
Audi RS Q1
Bentley Bentayga
BMW X3
BMW X7
Dacia Duster facelift
Ford Edge
Honda CR-V
Honda Vezel
Infiniti QX30
Jaguar F-Pace
Kia Sorento
Lamborghini Urus
Land Rover Defender
Maserati Levante
Mazda CX-3
Mercedes GLC
Mercedes GLE Coup
Mercedes baby SUV
Peugeot Quartz
Porsche Cayenne Coup
Porsche Macan Turbo S
Porsche Macan GTS
Range Rover Sport SVR
Renault Kwid
Renault Mgane SUV
Renault seven-seat SUV
SEAT IBX
Skoda Yeti+2
SsangYong Tivoli
Suzuki Vitara
Tesla Model X
Toyota C-HR
Volkswagen Taigun
Volkswagen Tiguan
Volkswagen T-ROC
Volvo XC40
Volvo XC60
Volvo XC90
PEOPLE MOVERS
BMW CAT 7-seater

Ford C-MAX facelift
Ford Grand C-MAX facelift
Ford S-MAX
Mercedes R-Class
VW Touran
2015
mid 2015
late 2015
2017
2017
late 2015
late 2015
2015
early 2016
2017
2016
2016
2016
mid 2015
2017
late 2016
2016
2016
2018
2016
2015
2015
2015
late 2015
2016
early 2015
2017
2016
2016
mid 2015
2015
2015
2017
2016
2017
early 2015
2015
spring
2016
mid 2015
2016
2016
2016
2015
April
2015
2017
2015
2016
2016
2018
late 2015
early 2015
early 2015
spring
spring
early 2015
2016
March
CABRIOLETS
Audi TT Roadster
2015
Alfa Romeo 4CSpider
early 2015
Ford Mustang Convertible
2015
Lamborghini Huracn Spyder late 2015
Mazda MX-5
early 2015
Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet
2015
Mercedes S-Class Cabriolet
2015
MINI Convertible
2016
Range Rover Evoque Cabriolet
2015
Rolls-Royce Wraith Drophead
2016
VW Beetle Dune cabriolet
late 2015
LUXURY CARS
BMW 7 Series
Cadillac ELR
Infiniti Q80
Jaguar XF
Mercedes-Maybach S 600
Mercedes S-Class Pullman
Rolls-Royce Phantom
VW Phaeton
Volvo S90
mid 2015
late 2015
2020
late 2015
spring
2015
2017
late 2016
2016
Buying a new car?
Tell us about your experience

Special Issue 45
Half-Price
Heroes
buying used has never made more sense, and over the next 32 pages we pick
out nearly 100 bargain cars across every class, from 1k to 100k-plus
James Disdale
James_Disdale@dennis.co.uk
Ja
EVERYONE loves a bargain, and over

the next 32 pages, we guarantee to
find a temptingly cheap used car to suit
you. Weve spent hours sifting through
the classifieds to serve up a selection
of brilliant buys that will set you back
around half what they cost new, or less.
Theres something for everyone
here, as our list of nearly 100 secondhand bargains is spread over 10 key
price categories from sub-1,000
superminis to supercars costing
FORD FIESTA
WASS 12,645
,6 5 NOW
O 5,995
5,995
over 100,000. And in nearly every

category, we include a green choice
a sign of our eco-conscious times.
Plus, as fuel prices fall, our experts
look at the thirsty, big-capacity petrol
cars that were once worthless, but now
seem far more tempting again. We also
have a guide on how to cut your fuel,
insurance
urance and maintenance costs.
Just be warned: the bargain buys in
our Half-Price Heroes special will give
you an itchy wallet. Can you resist?
PORSCHE
PORSCCHE 911
WASS 69,900 NOW 19,990
NISSAN QASHQAI
WAS 16,895 NOW 7,699

Special Issue 47
HHalf-Price
alf-PPrice Heroes Bargain buys
FUN Ford Puma
pricenew:12,995
model:1.7
Engine:1.7-litre4cyl,123bhp
C02/roadtax:178g/km/230
Economy:38.2mpg
EuroNCAP: N/A
ARE you after fun on a shoestring budget? Well, look no

further than the Ford Puma. A revvy 1.7-litre petrol engine
matched to an agile front-wheel-drive chassis provides top
entertainment behind the wheel, and its pretty stylish, too.
The Puma added a dash of panache to the fast Ford recipe
when it debuted in 1997, with a clever TV advert featuring
Hollywood legend Steve McQueen doing wonders for the
compact coups sales. That means there are plenty to choose
from on the second-hand market. We found a 1999 1.7
showing a relatively low 77,000 miles for just 795.
However, as values have dropped to rock bottom, so have
owners desire to look after them. Lots of Pumas will now
be showing signs of 15 years or more of use, so watch out
for rusty wheelarches and sills that could bring about MoT
failures. Still, with humble Fiesta supermini underpinnings,
it should mean affordable running costs and cheap car
insurance, even for the younger generation of drivers.
Price Now 795 1999/V-reg, 77k
Best Buys for UNDER 1,000

bargains neednt be bangers with our pick of top-value cars
Off-road Toyota RAV4

IF youre in the market for a versatile compact
SUV for not much cash, then the first-generation
Toyota RAV4 is well worth considering, as it was
one of the pioneers of the class. Good ground
clearance and a 2.0-litre petrol engine powering
a robust four-wheel-drive system mean that
the RAV4 should cope well on winter roads.
Three-door models limit access to the rear, so
opt for the larger five-door if practicality is high on
your wish list. Load space isnt great, either, plus
Toyota didnt alter the original side-hinged boot
door for the UK market, making access tricky.
Price Now 995 1998/S-reg, 80k

48 Special Issue
Pricenew:17,695
model:2.0GX
C02/roadtax:N/A/230
Economy:27.2MPG
EuroNCAP:N/A
MPV Fiat Multipla

FIATS space-age Multipla revolutionised the
MPV market when it was launched back in 1998,
and it had the edge over its five-seater rivals with
its two rows of three seats. The looks might not
be to everyones taste, but a roomy, airy cabin
provides plenty of visibility. Add that to its large,
450-litre boot, and youve got an affordable,
versatile and practical people carrier even
if the interior doesnt feel that hard-wearing.
The 1.9 diesel is the pick of the range and
should be the most frugal, although the basespec SX trim doesnt get air-con as standard.
Pricenew:14,110
model:1.9jtdsx
Economy:44.1mpg
EuroNCAP:
Price Now 895 2002/52-reg, 90k

Bargain buys
Half-Price Heroes
First car Nissan Micra

T E S T E r S n o t e s . ..
-litre
The Ford Pumas 1.7 the
engine is a belter, but re
-lit
smaller 1.4 and 1.6
units feel a little
underpowered.
jam es disd ale

road test editor
BY the early 2000s, the Nissan Micra had shed

its original boxy bodywork and was curvier
than ever. The radical redesign had a purpose,
however, as more room inside meant even
greater practicality and improved visibility.
Its not the most fashionable used supermini
on the market, but with low running costs,
strong reliability and plenty of second-hand
choice, its a great option for a first-time
buyer or a learner driver. Wed opt for the
1.2 petrol version, which will be cheap to
buy and insure. We found a 2003 model in S
spec with 86,000 miles on the clock for 950.
Pricenew:7,995
model:1.2s
Economy:47.9mpg
EuroNCAP:
green choice cutting your bills
Family Renault Laguna

RENAULTS Laguna was the first car ever to achieve
a five-star Euro NCAP rating, featuring safety tech
such as seatbelt pre-tensioners, load limiters
and a vast array of airbags adding peace of
mind if youre planning on transporting your family.
In Privilge spec, theres plenty of kit on
offer including keyless entry, xenon headlights,
auto wipers, power-folding door mirrors and ESP
so you wont have to scrimp on gadgets. A
1,000 budget will give you a good choice
of petrol or diesel models in both hatchback
and estate form. Plus, reliability is strong.

Pricenew:17,265
model:2.0Privilege
Economy:36.6mpg
EuroNCAP:
Skoda Fabia
THE original Fabia signalled a change in

fortunes for Skoda. It was the first supermini
developed under VW and delivered a winning
blend of practicality, value and dependability.
If youre after affordable frugality, the Fabia
offers that and more. Plus, there are plenty of
efficient models to choose from, all of which
provide strong value for money and cheap
bills. Skoda always performs well in our
Driver Power satisfaction surveys, and
finished top of our owner poll in 2014.
Pricenew:11,300
Model:1.9tdicomfort
CO2/roadtax:130g/km/230
Economy:56.5mpg
EuroNCAP:
Price now 895 2000/x-reg, 138k

Price Now XXXXX YEAR/XX REG
Special Issue 49
HHalf-Price
FAMILY Ford Focus
HERES proof that family
Pricenew:14,695
hatchbacks can be both
model:Focus1.6Zetec
practical and fun to drive.
The original Ford Focus
created a sensation when CO2/roadtax:155g/km/180
it replaced the dowdy,
Economy:44.1mpg
ageing Escort back in
EuroNCAP:
1998, adding a muchneeded dose of vitality to
the manufacturers family car line-up. The second-generation
model took over the mantle as the UKs best-driving hatch,
thanks to agile and pleasingly predictable handling.
More importantly, the newcomer also addressed some of
the original cars shortcomings it brought a larger 385-litre
luggage area versus 350 litres in its predecessor, not to mention
more refined and efficient diesel powerplants.
Today, the Mk2 Focus still offers this great mix of dynamics,
practicality and affordable running costs, making it one of the
most attractive used cars in Britain. The second-hand market is
positively flooded with good examples, so with a 3,000 budget
youll be spoilt for choice in terms of engine and trim. If youre
not going to be doing very many miles, a better option will be
a small petrol model, such as the 113bhp 1.6-litre in Zetec
spec, which boasts a fair level of equipment as standard.
Price Now 2,875 2006/06-reg, 60k
Best Buys 1,000-3,000

a tiny budget will stretch a surprisingly long way these days
HOT HATCH Honda Civic Type R

WITH a new Type R turbo waiting in the wings, set
to cost around 30,000, Honda is ready to restate
its claim on hot hatch class honours. However, if
your budget doesnt stretch that far, the makers
pocket-rocket back catalogue is equally exciting.
This is particularly true of the second-generation
hot Civic, which boasts a sophisticated rear
suspension set-up that produces some playful
handling traits plus a 197bhp VTEC engine that
revs to a heady 8,250rpm. Reliability should be
typically bulletproof, while build quality is solid.
The only letdown is the low-rent cabin.
Price Now 2,995 2002/02-reg, 75k

50 Special Issue
Pricenew:16,000
model:CivicTypeR
Engine:2.0-LITRE4cyl,197bhp
Economy:31.4mpg
EuroNCAP:
STYLE Alfa Romeo GTV

COULD buying a used Alfa Romeo be a first-class
ticket to frustration and expensive repair bills?
Maybe, but its hard to deny that the thought
of a GTV for less than 3,000 is tempting.
You may have to budget for regular repairs,
but when everythings right the GTVs rev-happy
163bhp 2.0-litre Twin Spark engine will delight
and the sleek, two-door coup will still turn heads.
This Alfa isnt going to rival a contemporary hot
hatchback for performance or ability, but at just
short of 3k for a stylish Italian sports car, it
does bring a lot of kerb appeal.
Pricenew:21,800
model:GTV2.0JTS
Economy:30.7mpg
EuroNCAP:N/A
Price Now 2,500 2005/55-reg, 63k

Bargain buys
Half-Price Heroes
Estate Mazda 6
T E S T E r S n o t e s . .. used buy in
Is there a better
cheap to
Britain? The Ford is
iable
rel
,
run
and
se
purcha
and brilliant to drive.
rich ard ingr am

deputy news editor
ESTATES are all about practicality, and the Mazda

6 wagon scores highly here. Theres a large 505litre load bay, while the 60:40 split-fold bench can
be lowered using the handy levers in the boot.
The car is engaging to drive, too, with a punchy
141bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel that delivers up to
46.3mpg. For around 3,000 theres a solid
blend of performance and economy on offer.
Even the mid-spec TS trim comes well equipped,
featuring cruise and dual-zone climate control,
plus a multifunction steering wheel. Robust
build quality and strong reliability mean the
Mazda should be trouble-free to own, too.
Pricenew:17,920
model:6Estate2.0dTS
Engine:2.0-litre4cyl
diesel,141bhp
Economy:46.3mpg
EuroNCAP:
Price Now 2,995 2007/56-reg, 78k
green Choice Cutting your bills
LUXURY Jaguar XJ6

THE 2003 XJ may have retained its predecessors
quintessentially British looks, but underneath
it was all-new. Jaguar developed a lightweight
aluminium chassis, which gave great handling,
ride, performance and efficiency benefits.
The low kerbweight means a gas-guzzling V8
isnt necessary: the sweet 240bhp 3.0-litre V6
offers 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds and 27.1mpg
not bad for a luxury saloon. At 3,000, though,
you wont be looking at the freshest examples
the car we spotted had done 138,000 miles.
Luxury options include twin rear TV screens.
Price Now 2,995 2003/53-REG, 138k

Toyota Prius
Pricenew:39,000
model:XJ6
Engine:3.0-litreV6,240bhp
Economy:27.1mpg
EuroNCAP:N/A
THE Prius Mk2 helped bring hybrid power to

the mainstream. Its design isnt exactly fashionled, but with strong eco credentials thanks
to a 1.8-litre petrol engine, battery pack and
electric motor, the Toyota claims 65.7mpg. Just
dont expect to see that in everyday driving.
With many examples now nearing 10 years
old and 100,000 miles, battery capacity might
not be what it was. But given that the tech was
at the cutting edge just a decade ago, and the
efficiency is still impressive, 3k is a bargain.
Pricenew:17,495
Model:PriusT3
petrol/electric,112bhp
CO2/roadtax:104G/KM/20
Economy:65.7MPG
EuroNCAP:
Price 3,000 2004/54-REG, 97k

Special Issue 51
HHalf-Price
Hot hatch VW Golf GTI
pricenew:19,995
model:GolfGTI
Economy:35.3mpg
EuroNCAP:
AFTER a stodgy period in the nineties, VWs original hot hatch

returned to form with the fifth-generation Golf GTI. Performance
has to be at the heart of any pocket rocket, so with the GTIs
2.0-litre petrol turbo sending 197bhp to the front wheels,
the sprint from 0-60mph takes a rapid 6.9 seconds.
Add to that the option of five-door practicality, Volkswagens
impeccable image and build quality, solid dealer service
and acceptable running costs not to mention a split
personality that sees the GTI equally at home on the
race track as it is in the local golf club car park and
you have the recipe for a superb all-rounder.
With a maximum budget of 5,000 youll be looking
at high-mileage examples, but this proves that you dont
have to break the bank to buy something thats thrilling to
drive, can carry front and rear passengers in comfort and
accommodates plenty of luggage. Many owners will have
cared for their cars well, too, so it promises to be durable.
Price Now 4,950 2005/05-REG, 85k
Best Buys 3,000-5,000

high-performance fun or family practicality? choice is yours...
MPV Mazda 5
Family Ford Mondeo

WITH the new Mondeo hitting showrooms, theres
never been a better time to take the plunge with
its predecessor. Mixing a huge amount of space
with low running costs and Fords typically
involving driving experience, the family friendly
machine covers all the necessary bases.
Theres a huge range of trim and engine options,
and while the 1.8-litre TDCi isnt the most efficient
unit by todays standards, it delivers 123bhp so
performance should be adequate. CO2 emissions
of 149g/km mean 145 road tax, and it beats the
larger 2.0 TDCi on economy, returning 49.6mpg.
Price Now 4,450 2009/09-reg, 72k

52 Special Issue
pricenew:20,045
model:Mondeo1.8TDCiEDGE
Economy:49.6mpg
EuroNCAP:
THE 5s great attraction is how it drives. Most topheavy people carriers roll through corners and feel
imprecise on the road; not so the Mazda. A well
developed chassis is clothed in a relatively sleek
and functional body, which proves that driving
an MPV doesnt have to be boring.
The 141bhp 2.0 turbodiesel is smoother than
its rivals of a similar age, and theres plenty of
low-down torque. Practicality is strong, too, thanks
to Mazdas 6+1 layout and sliding rear doors
and when all seven seats are in place youll still
be able to squeeze in 110 litres of luggage.
pricenew:17,900
model:52.0DSport
Economy:46.3mpg
EuroNCAP:
Price Now 3,895 2006/06-reg, 85k

Bargain buys
Half-Price Heroes
FUN Porsche Boxster

are pricier,
Edition 30 models
subtle
a
p,
7bh
22
er
but off
e BBS
bodykit and bespok
s.
18-inch alloy wheel
jac k rix
associate editor
A PORSCHE for less than 5,000 whats the

catch? Well, as long as you buy wisely, there
shouldnt be one. This budget will get you an
early 2.5-litre manual Boxster, which still has
plenty of straight-line performance even by
todays standards. With 201bhp on tap,
0-62mph takes 6.9 seconds, while a nimble
chassis and precise steering mean it should keep
up with some much more modern hot hatches.
The mid-engined layout gives the Boxster
two boots (one front, one rear), creating total
luggage space of 260 litres so its relatively
practical for a weekend break, too.
pricenew:33,950
model:Boxster
Engine:2.5-litreflat-six,201bhp
Economy:31.7mpg
EuroNCAP:N/A
Price Now 4,490 1997/R-Reg, 79k
green Choice cutting your bills
4x4 Nissan X-Trail

TODAY the X-Trail is a sharply styled seven-seat
crossover, but before Nissans big off-roader
took its design inspiration from the new Qashqai,
it had more utilitarian roots. This makes it a
great 4x4 bargain for the winter months.
This is especially true in 2.2 dCi form, thanks
to 220Nm of turbocharged torque. The engine
is a little noisy but performance is dependable
especially when towing just like the
mechanicals. Dont expect high-quality cabin
materials, but 5,000 should buy a well caredfor example and still leave you plenty of change.
Price Now 4,000 2002/02-reg, 84k

Kia PicantO
pricenew:19,795
model:X-Trail2.2dCiSport
Economy:39.2mpg
EuroNCAP:
WITH its funky looks, generous kit and thrifty

running costs, the Picanto city car has been a
big hit. It backs this up with a surprisingly
practical cabin, low running costs and a good
haul of standard kit. And while the 1.0-litre
three-cylinder is underpowered, its happy
to be worked hard and emits only 99g/km.
More importantly, Kias seven-year warranty
means even the 3,790 61-reg model we saw
had three years cover left. Few used cars
deliver such peace of mind for so little cash.
pricenew:6,395
model:Picanto1.0S
Economy:67.3mpg
EuroNCAP:
Price now 3,790 2011/61-reg, 54k

Special Issue 53
HHalf-Price
Crossover Nissan Qashqai
pricenew:16,895
model:1.5dciacenta
Economy:54.3mpg
EuroNCAP:
A MAINSTAY in the UK best-sellers list virtually since its launch

in 2007, the original Nissan Qashqai was a true game changer,
setting the blueprint for a host of copycat crossover SUVs and
becoming extremely popular in the process. If you dont mind
passing another one every few minutes, a used 2009 model
at under 8,000 is all the family car youll ever need.
Equipped with the 1.5-litre dCi engine, its far from the
quickest car, but feedback from Qashqai owners suggests a
figure close to 50mpg in everyday use is realistic which, for a
car with this amount of practicality and comfort, is pretty good.
Our Driver Power satisfaction survey results through the
years have also shown that Qashqai drivers are largely very
satisfied with their cars build quality and reliability, too. Plus,
as there are plenty of used models about on dealer forecourts,
theres plenty of room for you to haggle for a good price and
choose one in your preferred colour and specification. Acenta
trim is mid-range and theres a version that includes sat-nav.
Price Now 7,699 2011/11-reg, 51K
Best Buys 5,000-8,000

Get plenty of bang for your buck with this crop of used buys
Convertible MINI Cooper

DESIRABILITY wins the day here, because despite
being even less practical than the MINI hatchback
and suffering dynamically both due to losing the
fixed roof the Convertible holds its value well.
If you can live with the minuscule 125-litre boot
and rear seats that may as well not be there,
the MINI Convertible is a fantastic drop-top.
In this case, petrol versions are preferable
the 1.6-litre Cooper is efficient and punchy enough,
and you wont have to endure the amplified diesel
clatter with the roof down, on top of increased wind
buffeting when the cars open to the elements.
Price Now 7,989 2010/60-reg, 33k

54 Special Issue
Pricenew:15,795
model:Convertible1.6
Economy:49.6mpg
EuroNCAP:N/A
Business BMW 3 Series

THE BMW 3 Series has been king of the compact
executive car class for generations, and the 320d
is both the best-selling version and best allrounder. Its strong performance seems at odds
with its outstanding fuel economy especially
true of the 68.9mpg EfficientDynamics model.
A regular in the UKs top-10 sales charts, a fiveyear-old 3 Series will almost always have high
mileage, but there are so many to choose from
that you can be fussy. Pick one with an impeccable
dealer service history and you should get troublefree, premium motoring well into six-figure miles.
Pricenew:27,245
model:320dED
Economy:68.9mpg
EuroNCAP:
Price Now 7,850 2010/10-reg, 93K

Bargain buys
Half-Price Heroes
4x4 Land Rover Freelander 2

shqai
The new Nissan Qa
the
is more ref ined, but ged
original car has a rug
charm thats missing .
from the latest model
les ley har ris

road tester
Family Skoda Octavia

IF you can look past the slightly humdrum image,
then the Skoda Octavia is one of the best-value
family cars money can buy. Thats especially true
in the used market, with four-year-old examples
available for city car cash and with similar
running costs in the case of the 1.6-litre TDI.
Mid-spec SE models include all the essentials,
like air-con and alloy wheels, with VW Group
parts meaning that reliability is excellent. And if
anything does go awry, the Octavia wont be a
money pit. Plus, the boot has a 580-litre capacity,
making it as practical as family hatchbacks come.
Price Now 7,799 2011/11-reg, 40k

Pricenew:17,240
model:1.6tdise
Economy:62.8mpg
EuroNCAP:
THE Land Rover Freelander 2 has a no-frills,

utilitarian sort of appeal compared to more
premium, medium-sized 4x4s like the BMW X3
and Audi Q5. So while it boasts a roomy interior
and a supple suspension set-up that makes it
more comfortable than its German rivals, it cant
quite match them for cabin ambience. Plus,
the 2.2-litre diesel engine isnt especially
economical by todays standards.
It is, of course, a hugely capable off-roader
and a well priced used buy, but the Freelander 2
is also known for patchy reliability. So, check
the service history carefully before purchasing.
Pricenew:23,457
model:2.2Td4gs
Co2/roadtax:194g/km/265
Economy:37mpg
EuroNCAP:
Price Now 7,950 2007/07-reg, 99k
Fun Mazda MX-5

JUST a few minutes behind the wheel of a Mazda
MX-5 is all it takes to understand why its one of
the most popular two-seater sports cars ever
made. Its not without its flaws, though, as
the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine
is very thirsty compared to the latest turbos
and its also about as spacious as a shoebox.
But this is a car all about the driving experience,
which is sublime. Less than 8,000 will buy a
2009 model, which was updated from the 2005
version with a more modern look and includes
air-con, remote central locking and a Bose stereo.
Pricenew:17,345
model:2.0iSE
Economy:37.2mpg
EuroNCAP:
Price Now 7,995 2009/09-reg, 19k

Special Issue 55
Half-Price Heroes
Estate Volvo V70
A TORQUEY diesel engine, big boot, classy

interior and impressive list of safety features
make the V70 a good family estate car if not
quite as cavernous as its boxy predecessors.
Its comfortable and quick, though, with a
characterful five-cylinder diesel engine and one
of the most cosseting drivers seats around.
Plus, its impressive kit list includes a powered
tailgate and leather upholstery. Most at home
cruising on the motorway, the front-wheel-drive
V70 also boasts impressive rear space. Factor in
its solid build quality and reliable mechanicals,
and the Volvo will deliver years of faithful service.
pricenew:28,815
model:D5se
Economy:41.5mpg
EuroNCAP:
Performance Audi S4
BY virtue of its 4.2-litre V8 engine, a 2003 Audi S4
looks pretty old school now, and it takes a special
type of commitment to satisfy its demand for super
unleaded fuel and a 500 annual tax bill. Still, the
reward is a near-five-second sprint from 0-62mph,
accompanied by the sort of soundtrack that
smaller-capacity modern turbos cannot provide.
Its also relatively easy to drive quickly due
to its quattro four-wheel-drive set-up. Add to
that the build quality weve come to expect
from an Audi, and the S4 is an alluring highperformance family car for less than 6,000.
Price Now 5,650 2003/53-reg, 69K

56 Special Issue
Pricenew:36,155
model:S4
Economy:21.2mpg
EuroNCAP:
the best in
The Volvos seats are er the
aft
the business. Even
ll be
longest journey, you
ns.
free of aches and pai
jam es disd ale

road test editor
Price Now 8,000 2007/57-reg, 85k
Supermini Ford Fiesta

SMALL hatchbacks dont come any better than
the Ford Fiesta our Supermini of the Year
five times over and consistently the UKs bestselling new car. And with a 2012 model in sporty
Zetec trim priced at a shade below 6,000,
its hard to argue against it as a used buy.
Its the blend of day-to-day comfort and brilliant
driving dynamics that makes the Fiesta such
a compelling car, and very few owners report
reliability issues. Low-mileage drivers will find
the 1.25-litre petrol engine a quiet and punchy
unit thats well suited to the Zetecs character.
Pricenew:12,645
model:1.25zetec
Economy:54mpg
EuroNCAP:
Price Now 5,995 2012/12-reg, 27k

Bargain buys
Luxury BMW 7 Series
MPV Ford S-MAx

STILL the best MPV to drive on the market, the
Ford S-MAX offers dynamics surprisingly close
to those of a hatchback half its size. Its a greatlooking people carrier, too, avoiding the overly
boxy look that plagues many cars in its class.
And, thankfully, none of these qualities comes
at the expense of space. The Ford is massive
inside, and the easy-to-operate fold-flat seating
makes for superb practicality, too. Our pick of
the engines is the 2.0-litre TDCi diesel with
320Nm of torque, it does a great job of hauling
the bulky S-MAX around, while proving smooth,
frugal and relatively quiet at all times.
Half-Price Heroes
Pricenew:21,495
model:2.0TDCIZetec
Economy:53.3mpg
EuroNCAP:
IN the used market, the BMW 7 Series joins

most other huge executive saloons in being an
absolute bargain if you can afford the running
costs. Thats not just a case of fuel. In fact, the
39.2mpg 730d will prove marvellously efficient
in that respect, but the main dealer servicing
and parts costs will hurt if something goes wrong.
If youre prepared for that, the BMW beautifully
combines luxury and refinement with enjoyable,
almost nimble, rear-wheel-drive gusto and
a huge reserve of motorway-crushing torque.
Later models get even more power and a more
efficient auto box, but the difference is marginal.
Pricenew:54,160
model:730dse
Economy:39.2mpg
EuroNCAP:
Price Now 7,700 2005/54-reg, 85k
Price Now 7,495 2010/10-reg, 85k
green Choice Cutting your bills
Hot hatch Renaultsport Clio

WITH the current Renaultsport Clio taking a step
backwards dynamically in the quest for more
refinement, the status of its predecessor moves
even closer to future classic. That explains why
prices remain relatively high for a good, lowmileage 2009 model, but also why its money
well spent as it wont drop in value at anywhere
near the rate of the standard supermini.
The hot Clio is riveting at any speed, while
retaining all the practicality of lesser models.
Pound-for-pound, pure driving enjoyment
doesnt come at much better value than this.
Price Now 8,000 2009/09-reg, 19.5k

Pricenew:15,750
model:200
Economy:34.4mpg
EuroNCAP:
VW Golf Bluemotion
THE Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion was a
revelation at launch, as it offered all the
qualities weve come to expect from the Golf
superb build quality and ambience, space,
class but with sub-100g/km CO2 emissions.
What was, and remains, amazing is that
the BlueMotion is so refined, and will surpass
60mpg in daily use without you even trying.
Standard equipment is relatively sparse,
however, and expensive options may
be reflected in the price you pay used.
Pricenew:19,430
Model:1.6TDIbluemotion
Economy:74.3mpg
EuroNCAP:
Price now 7,995 2011/61-reg, 62k

Special Issue 57
Half-Price Heroes
n o t e s . ..
T E r S
IfTIfE Syou
r annual mileage is
n the six-cylinder
the
,
low
you
even
diesel 5 Series offers
.
ney.
greater value for mo
DEA N GIBS ON
DEPUTY Road test editor
Best Buys 8,000-11,000

Up your Budget and some very desirable cars are in reach
Style Audi TT coupe

AUDIS evolutionary styling approach means that
the second-generation TT hasnt dated too badly
with the arrival of the new version. It remains
one of the classiest coups on the road.
Diesel versions are, of course, more economical,
but the 208bhp 2.0-litre TFSI petrol better suits
the TT its quieter and makes the car lighter
at the nose, and therefore slightly more agile.
The TTs interior is so wonderfully stylish
and so well built that a low-mileage, six-yearold version for under 11,000 seems a steal
and its more practical than you might think.
Price Now 10,750 2009/09-REG, 69k

58 Special Issue
Hot hatch SEAT Leon

Pricenew: 28,050
model:2.0TFSISline
Economy:36.7mpg
EuroNCAP:
TODAYS SEAT Leon is a very different car to its

predecessor, much more focused on quality,
refinement and technology. But the old Leon
was more involving to drive, plus arguably more
distinctive to look at, with a uniquely sporty design
that became synonymous with British Touring Car
Championship wins at the end of the last decade.
It serves up an engaging driving experience,
but the price is an overly firm ride, while the
quality of the interior plastics leaves a lot to be
desired. Still, theres plenty of car in a 9,000
Leon 2.0-litre TSI and no shortage of pace, too.
pricenew:19,725
model: 2.0TSIFR
Economy:38.7mpg
EuroNCAP:
Price Now 8,995 2010/59-REG, 67k

Bargain buys
Half-Price Heroes
Business BMW 5 SEries
Pricenew:28,045
model:520dSE
Economy:57.6mpg
EuroNCAP:
THERES no better executive saloon than the 5 Series,

and what makes the 520d remarkable is that it blows
expectations out of the water: a big four-door car
powered by a four-cylinder diesel engine shouldnt be
anywhere near this quick, quiet, refined or economical.
Its great to drive, too, and while its not the last word in
involvement a long wheelbase and overly light steering
see to that its rear-wheel-drive chassis is certainly
more engaging than on the Audi A6 or Mercedes E-Class.
In order to keep a current-generation 5 Series below
11,000, youll probably have to stick with a six-speed manual
rather than the popular eight-speed auto box, but the 520d SE
comes with a generous standard spec: leather upholstery,
17-inch alloys, dual-zone climate control and a high-resolution
colour infotainment display linked to BMWs iDrive control.
Better still, the cabin is vast, with plenty of head and legroom
in the back and loads of handy storage. And while the traditional
four-door saloon body isnt the most versatile, the 520-litre
boot is well shaped and theres a useful split-fold function.
Quality is superb, as youd expect but what you
wouldnt expect is to be topping 50mpg with ease, as
you will do on a daily basis. Only its common-as-muck
popularity, justified though it is, might put you off.
Price Now 10,999 2010/60-REG, 82k
Convertible Saab 9-3

SAABS demise has hit used values hard, but
with a dedicated parts and supply network in
place in the UK, buyers neednt worry and
they can take advantage of a very reasonably
priced piece of leftfield premium motoring.
The 9-3 Convertible has always enjoyed a
reputation that exceeds its actual ability, but
for a four-figure sum its sensational value. Pace,
an exaggerated turbo whistle, fresh air and
styling thats ageing well more than compensate
for the slightly lead-footed handling and dated
cabin. In keeping with the old clich, buying a
Saab seems an unusual, yet smart, thing to do.
Pricenew:27,510
model:1.8tlinearSE
Economy:36.2mpg
EuroNCAP:
Price Now 8,980 2011/11-REG, 40k
MPV Citroen C4 Grand Picasso 4x4 Land Rover Discovery 3

A PEOPLE carrier of huge proportions, the C4
Grand Picasso is a fine family-friendly workhorse;
seven seats, five of which fold flat; three ISOFIX
fittings in the middle row; a vast glass area and
high driving position for great visibility; a huge
boot that extends to almost 2,000 litres.
The over-soft suspension makes the Grand
Picasso wallow significantly, while the auto
lurches through gearchanges. But its refined and
comfortable, while poor residuals mean a threeyear-old model offers vast space for the price.
Plus, fuel economy is good in HDi diesel form.
Price Now 9,685 2012/12-reg, 45k

Pricenew: 20,050
model:1.6HDIVTR
Economy:54.3mpg
EuroNCAP:
THERE are very few cars as capable overall as the

Discovery 3, which combines imperious off-road
ability with enormous practicality, plus day-today comfort that nudges the luxury class.
Its not without flaws, though our Driver
Power survey shows that owners generally love
their Discos, but the car has a patchy reliability
record. Thats worth considering, as both servicing
and parts are expensive, and high CO2 emissions
make road tax pricey, too. The Disco 4 update in
late 2009 brought better interior quality, but a well
specified seven-seat Disco 3 is still a fine used 4x4.
Pricenew:30,190
model:2.7TDV6GS
Economy:30.7mpg
EuroNCAP:
Price Now 10,750 2008/08-reg, 93k

Special Issue 59
Half-Price Heroes Bargain buys
luxury merc s-class
pricenew:55,595
model:s320cdi
Engine:3.0-litrev6,231bhp
Economy:33.6mpg
EuroNCAP:
choice
For the price of a few s
las
options on a new S-C 06
20
you could have the
.
S320 CDI we found
ue.
Thats amazing val
THE Mercedes S-Class is no match for its BMW

7 Series arch rival along a twisting back road,
but in the rarefied luxury car market, handling
fun is much less important than refinement
and comfort. And from the passenger seats,
the Mercedes has the edge. Even though
youll be looking at the previous-generation
version in this price bracket, no luxury saloon
this side of a Rolls-Royce rides with the
unflustered comfort of an S-Class.
While buyers shopping for a secondhand limousine like this will be taking on
potentially huge servicing and parts bills,
Crossover Hyundai ix35

THE ix35 is a solid, competent crack at the
lucrative crossover SUV market by Hyundai.
Its spacious inside and the four-wheel drive only
2.0-litre CRDi model has plenty of pulling power
4x4 versions of the ix35 are preferable to
front-wheel-drive cars for their added traction.
Cabin quality is standard for the class, but its
a little bland overall and doesnt sparkle in a
competitive sector. Still, what it does have is value
on its side under 8,500 for a 10-plate model is
excellent. You might even find an example with
the balance of its five-year manufacturer warranty.
Price Now 8,489 2010/10-reg, 60k

60 Special Issue
Pricenew:21,905
model:2.0crdistyle(4wd)
Economy:49.6mpg
EuroNCAP:
jon atha n bur n

senior news reporter
an 06-plate example will already have done

the vast majority of its depreciating, so you
can gain from someone elses financial pain.
Plus, the fuel costs for the 3.0-litre engine are
manageable making an 11,000 S-Class a lot
of luxury for little cash. And as a safety pioneer,
including tech like self-drying brake discs, its
a comforting family car in more ways than one.
Price Now 10,750 2008/08-reg, 66k
Family Skoda Superb

THE current Skoda Superb was a genuine surprise,
moving away from the bigger Octavia flavour of
its predecessor and up in class to trouble the
executive market. Beautifully built and refined
as well as offering limo-like rear seat space,
the Superb is a fantastic value used buy.
A three-year-old example at 10,000 will feel
every bit the modern premium car, albeit in a plain
sort of way, while its VW Group 2.0 TDI engine
is both effortlessly punchy and frugal. The twinhinged boot is gimmicky, but gives the Superbs
huge 595-litre luggage space added practicality.
Pricenew:21,635
model:2.0tdise
Economy:52.3mpg
EuroNCAP:
Price Now 10,000 2012/12-reg, 48k

Bargain buys
Estate VolksWagen Passat

ITS not exactly exciting, but the VW Passat very
nicely bridges the gap between common or
garden estate cars and those in the premium
class. Quality comfortably falls into the latter
category, and heavy motorway users will find
over 60mpg economy regularly attainable with
the refined and punchy 2.0-litre TDI engine.
The Passat estate is preferable to the saloon
because of its practicality advantage, with the
1,731-litre total luggage capacity one of the
biggest in the class. Rivals, not least the Ford
Mondeo Estate, are more involving to drive, but
none offers the classy simplicity of the Passat.
Pricenew:23,375
model:2.0tdisebluemotion
Economy:61.4mpg
EuroNCAP:
Price Now 9,000 2012/61-reg, 77k
Half-Price Heroes
performance subaru Impreza

THERE are lots of issues to address before a 2006
Impreza WRX STi makes sense: can you live with
the jarring ride quality and astronomical thirst
for fuel? Do the traditional hatchback shape and
lack of a huge rear spoiler offend you? Do you
like hard interior plastics? Deal with all that,
and theres immense fun to be had behind
the wheel of this unbelievably grippy and
rapid hatch all for less than five figures.
More importantly, performance is accessible
whatever the weather. News of failing pistons
blighted this version, although Subaru says
well cared for cars shouldnt be problematic.
Pricenew:27,590
model:wrxsti
Economy:27.4mpg
EuroNCAP:N/A
Price Now 9,995 2008/08-reg, 66k
green Choice cutting your bills
Fun Lotus Elise

THERE arent many cars capable of dishing up a
driving experience as visceral and enjoyable as
the Lotus Elises. A near-handmade production
method means the car doesnt have the same
interior build quality as a Porsche Cayman, but
well documented engineering heritage equates
to world-class dynamics so trim imperfections
here and there shouldnt matter too much.
The current Series 2 Elise is 14 years old, so
you can get a 2002 example with the revvy (and
now discontinued) 1.8-litre Rover K Series engine
for supermini cash and it still looks modern.
Price Now 11,000 2002/02-reg, 66k

Nissan Leaf
Pricenew:25,995
model:1.8111S
Economy:40.9mpg
EuroNCAP: N/A
THE Nissan Leaf wasnt the UKs first electric

car, but for many it was the first viable option.
With its 100-mile battery range, seating for
four adults, large boot and normal looks, its
a surprisingly sensible short-haul choice, and
a sub-10,000 used price adds to the appeal.
Its also good to drive, with brisk pace,
composed handling and decent refinement.
Only the firm low-speed ride lets it down, but
its no worse than most eco diesels. All models
are well equipped, plus its dirt cheap to run.
Pricenew:26,490
Model:LeafVisia5dr
drivetrain:107bhp
electricmotor
CO2/roadtax:0g/km/0
Economy:N/a
EuroNCAP:
Price now 9,495 2011/11-reg, 18k

Special Issue 61
www.renault.co.uk
T
L
U
A
REN SEASON
E
C
N
!
A
L
ROMA
A-
L
H
OO
RENAULT CLIO DYNAMIQUE MEDIANAV 1.2 16V 75

Touchscreen navigation
16" alloy wheels
4-year warranty
SEDUCTIVE OFFERS FROM 159 PER MONTH

WITH 1,500 DEPOSIT CONTRIBUTION* AND 3 YEARS SERVICE PACKAGE 199** UNTIL 31 MARCH
48 monthly payments of
Customer deposit
Cash price
Dealer deposit contribution
159
1,290
13,495
1,500
Total amount of credit

Finance facility fee
Optional nal payment
Option to purchase fee
10,705
99
5,008
149
Total amount payable

Duration (months)
Fixed interest rate p.a.
6.9% APR representative
15,678
49
6.12%
The ofcial fuel consumption gures in mpg (l/100km) for the car shown are: urban 40.4 (7); extra-urban 60.1 (4.7);
combined 51.4 (5.5). The ofcial CO2 emissions are 127g/km. EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008 test environment
gures. Fuel consumption and CO2 may vary according to driving styles, road conditions and other factors.
Finance provided by RCI Financial Services Limited, PO Box 149, Watford WD17 1FJ. Subject to status. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. You must be at least 18 and a
UK resident (excluding the Isle of Man and Channel Islands). Terms and conditions apply. Our dealership introduces customers to a limited number of financial providers including
RCI Financial Services Ltd. Offer based on 6,000 miles per annum, excess mileage 8p per mile inc VAT. Offers cannot be used with other schemes or finance offers and are
available on featured new vehicle when ordered and registered between 3 February 2015 and 31 March 2015. Participating dealers only. *Deposit contribution shown is
available to new Renault Finance customers when taking Renault Finance on Renault Clio (excluding Clio Expression). Clio shown has optional Flame Red Renault i.d.
metallic paint, available at 595. Four-year warranty applies to new vehicles when ordered from a UK Renault-approved dealer. Warranty up to 4 years/100,000 miles (whichever
comes first). For full warranty terms and conditions visit www.renault.co.uk/warranty **Service package available at 199 when the vehicle is ordered and registered by 31 March
2015. Visit renault.co.uk/servicepackage
HHalf-Price
Style Peugeot RCZ
pricenew:23,560
model:RCZGTTHP156
Economy:44.1mpg
EuroNcap:N/A
WHEN it was first unveiled way back in 2009, few people

believed that Peugeots 308-based RCZ could really
back up its head-turning styling with an equally
striking driving experience. But it does.
Its not the quickest coup money can buy, while the
driving position could do with a little more adjustment.
Plus, as is usually the case with this sort of car, the
rear bench should be regarded more as a parcel
shelf than genuine seating for two passengers.
Theres a range of petrol and diesel engines
to choose from, and even though the 1.6-litre THP
turbocharged petrol version delivers a modest power
output of 156bhp, the RCZ is never less than pure theatre
from the distinctive double-bubble roof to the sound
actuator that boosts the exhaust note. Finally, its not
an Audi TT, which for many potential buyers looking
to stand out from the crowd is likely to be a positive.
Price Now 11,470 2011/11-REG, 24k
Best Buys 11,000-15,000

for five figures, you can get a cool sports car or classy mpv
Convertible Audi A5 cabriolet MPV SEAT Alhambra

WHEN it comes to drop-top desirability on a budget,
the sleek A5 cabrio takes some beating. Not only
does it look good and boast impeccable quality,
but the fabric roof matches folding hard-top rivals
for refinement without sacrificing boot space.
Unlike the Coup and Sportback ranges, in
which diesels are dominant, a petrol engine is
preferable in the Cabriolet and the punchy and
frugal 1.8-litre TFSI is the best. The Audi is less fun
to drive than a BMW 3 Series, but its composed
and comfortable. Its well built cabin is also
surprisingly practical, plus has all the essential kit.
Price Now 13,495 2011/61-reG, 28K

62 Special Issue
Pricenew:28,915
model:A5CABRIOLET1.8TFSI
Economy:40mpg
EuroNcap:N/A
MULTIPLE winner of the Best MPV crown at the

Auto Express New Car Awards, the Alhambra is
a shining example of how VW Group platform
sharing works to give buyers the best deal. Its
identical to the VW Sharan, but cheaper and
because its a SEAT it depreciates a little more
heavily, making it a cracking used buy.
Its not as spirited to drive as Fords S-MAX,
but its sliding side doors and cavernous interior
will make a genuine difference to growing families.
Available with some of the best TDI diesels in the
business, the Alhambras also cost-effective.
Pricenew:26,915
model:Alhambra2.0TDISDSG
Economy:49.6mpg
EuroNcap:
Price Now 12,990 2011/11-reg, 66k

Bargain buys
Half-Price Heroes
Hot hatch Rensport Megane

h mileages,
If you dont mind hig
uld
sho
get
bud
s
then thi
and
stretch to the faster
Z.
sharper THP 200 RC
jam es disd ale

road test editor
ONE of the best-handling hot hatches ever, the

Renaultsport Mgane 250 makes every journey
an event to savour. Yet while it may be a family
hatch by name, this is not a car for those who
value their childrens comfort first and foremost
the ride on Cup models is firm, while all versions
have a noisy engine and the three-door-only
layout results in a cramped rear compartment.
The turbocharged engine produces 340Nm
of torque in the mid-range, so this hot hatch
feels scorchingly quick, and is a head-turner,
too. Look for a car with low miles, a full service
history and no evidence of thrashing.
Pricenew:27,390
model:renaultsportmEgane250
Economy:33.6mpg
EuroNcap:
Price Now 11,995 2011/11-reg, 38k
Estate Mercedes E-Class

WHILE the E-Class doesnt have the dynamic
character of the BMW 5 Series, its a typical
Mercedes in terms of its build quality and highspeed comfort and refinement. Also, as with the
traditional Merc estates, the 2010 model trades
on having a huge cargo area that dwarfs those
of its rivals, including practical flourishes such
as an electric tailgate and seven-seat option.
The E250 CDI diesel packs a 500Nm punch,
which is great for hauling a full load, and can do
50mpg-plus. Even better, the robust cabin easily
copes with the rough and tumble of family life.
Price Now 13,990 2010/10-reg, 71k

Pricenew:33,555
model:E250CDISE
Economy:54mpg
EuroNcap:
Fun BMW Z4
AS the Z4 M Roadster was made for only two
years, its now a fairly rare sight on the road, yet
prices have dropped to a third of their original
level. This makes the BMW a very cheap way to get
into the five-second 0-62mph club. Youll pay dayto-day, though, with real-life economy unlikely to
exceed the high teens, as well as serious servicing
and parts costs for the M Division-tuned engine.
Yet as the M Roadster was engineered with
driving fun in mind, the howling straight-six,
nimble handling and wind-in-the-hair thrills should
distract you from the running costs and firm ride.
Pricenew:43,402
model:Z4MRoadster
Economy:23.3mpg
EuroNcap:
Price Now 15,000 2007/07-reg, 45k

Special Issue 63

Crossover
Skoda Yeti
Pricenew:22,625
model:Yeti2.0TDI1404x4Elegance
Economy:47.1mpg
EuroNCAP:
Tonka toy
Yetis as tough as its s are as
car
Few
t.
ges
sug
ks
loo
gh
we ll suited to the rou .
life
and tumble of family
les ley har ris

road tester
IF you want the ultimate in family car versatility,

look no further than the Skoda Yeti. With its rugged
exterior styling, spacious cabin and robust build
quality, its every bit as desirable as it is dependable.
Plus, if you go for the 4x4 version, youll get allweather ability thrown into the bargain.
The 138bhp 2.0-litre TDI isnt the last word in
refinement, but its quiet on the motorway and
efficient, too, making it a preferable choice if youre
covering big miles. Yet its docile nature and strong

torque make it a doddle to drive around town.
A 2011 Yeti is a pre-facelift car, meaning it doesnt
get the latest looks, but its blend of space, versatility,
quality and a wonderfully dynamic driving experience
(at odds with the cars size and shape) adds up to the
best family crossover SUV there is, pound-for-pound.
Elegance is the top-of-the-line specification, so
it comes with full leather upholstery, as well as
heated front seats, parking sensors and Bluetooth

connectivity. Theres also a touchscreen infotainment
system, plus xenon lights and alloy wheels.
And with our annual Driver Power satisfaction
survey making it emphatically clear that owners
love their Yetis, on the second-hand market its quite
simply one of the best family cars money can buy.
Price Now 11,295 2011/61-reg, 75k
Performance Porsche Cayman Luxury VW Phaeton

WITH prices of the earliest Cayman S models
coming down into mid-level supermini territory,
a Porsche that some people regard as a better
balanced and therefore more enjoyable sports
car than the 911 is phenomenal value. Its grip and
steering are the stuff of endless superlatives, and
while comfort wasnt a priority for the brands
engineers, the ride is not back-breaking.
The Cayman doesnt have much standard kit,
and some of the early switchgear looks and feels
low-rent now, but if youre after driver engagement
above all else, youll live with those things.
Price Now 13,500 2006/55-reg, 61k

64 Special Issue
Pricenew:44,250
model:Cayman3.4S
Economy:26.6mpg
EuroNCAP:N/A
ITS a long-standing car industry clich to open

up any discussion about the Volkswagen Phaeton
by referring to it as the best-value used car ever
made, owing to its staggering depreciation.
And while thats only partly true (all luxury cars
depreciate heavily), its telling that a Golf GTI
of similar age will cost about the same.
Yet what really impresses is the Phaetons superb
engineering. VW spared no expense in making one
of the worlds best luxury cars, and this big saloon
oozes quality. Look past the mainstream badge;
its one of the big car bargains of the decade.
pricenew:42,757
model:Phaeton3.0V6TDI4MOTION
Economy:29.4mpg
EuroNCAP:N/A
Price Now 14,500 2010/10-reg, 54k

Bargain buys
4x4 VolksWagen Touareg
Business Jaguar XF
ANNUAL sales of the XF have climbed every year
since its launch, and its not hard to see why.
The Jaguar has a top-quality cabin with a touch
of theatre such as the revolving air vents on
start-up and it focuses on refinement rather
than driving fun, making even the 2.2-litre
diesel a quiet long-distance companion.
With 187bhp this is a fairly quick machine,
but its cheap to insure and run. Be aware,
though, that the SE doesnt include satellite
navigation vital in this market sector so
it may be worth spending a little more money
on an SE Business model, which does.
Half-Price Heroes
Pricenew:30,950
model:XF2.2DSE
Economy:52.3mpg
EuroNCAP:
Price Now 14,990 2011/61-reg, 75k
IN many ways the Touareg springs no surprises,

because it has all the virtues of any other VW:
logical cabin layout, top-notch quality, great
refinement and a slightly bland personality. Yet
this is VW at its most comforting best, and one
of the most understated big SUVs on the road.
If that appeals, then 14,000 for so much
impressive engineering and ability is money
well spent. Compared to updated versions, this
Touaregs cabin is a little fussy, and its older
V6 TDI is jarringly uneconomical, but buyer
prudence will find a good, low-mileage example
that shouldnt prove too expensive to maintain.
Pricenew:35,145
model:Touareg3.0V6TDIAuto
Economy:38.2mpg
EuroNCAP:
Price Now 14,000 2010/59-reg, 77k
Green CHOICE cutting your bills
Family Kia Optima

THE Kia Optima pulls off the unique trick of being
a stand-out car without standing out in any one
area. It looks good and is rare on UK roads
but thats because its not a huge-seller
and it matches rather than exceeds the
standards set by the class-leading saloons.
Theres loads of kit in mid-spec 2 Luxe trim,
though, including 18-inch alloys, dual-zone
climate control plus auto wipers and lights. At
this price youll feel like youve got your moneys
worth, especially given its interior space and
seven-year warranty. Its cheap to run, too.
Price Now 10,500 2012/12-reg, 35k

Vauxhall Ampera
Pricenew:21,695
model:Optima1.7CRDi2Luxe
Economy:57.6mpg
EuroNCAP:N/A
THE Ampera blends futuristic looks inside and

out with a petrol-electric drivetrain that uses a
1.4-litre engine as a generator for an electric
motor, rather than to drive the wheels.
It makes for an odd experience where
engine speed doesnt correlate to road speed
but it also equates to 235.4mpg. Even after
the 5,000 EV grant its costly new, however,
so at less than half price its a much better
prospect used. Some will prefer a conventional
diesel, but this is still a good-value choice.
Pricenew:35,495
Model:AmperaElectron
Engine:148bhpelectric
motor/1.4-litre4cyl,84bhp
Economy:235.4mpg
EuroNCAP:
PRICE NOW 14,995 2012/12-REG, 19k

Special Issue 65
HHalf-Price
Business Audi A6
pricenew:30,145
model:2.0TDISE
Engine:2.0-litre4cylturbodiesel,175bhp
Economy:57.6mpg
EuroNCAP:
COMPETITION is fierce in the large executive saloon

market, where high CO2 emissions figures can mean big
company car tax bills. But as subtly revised models replace
yesterdays fleet favourites, private buyers looking to pick
up a bargain can turn to used German four-door cars as
a cheap and cheerful way into premium motoring.
Audis current A6 is a strong performer, serving up a
cost-effective mix of power and efficiency. The 175bhp
2.0 TDI engine is punchy yet refined for a four-cylinder, while
CO2 emissions of 129g/km mean it will cost 100 to tax.
This A6 has been on sale for four years now with minimal
changes, so youll get a decent level of equipment suited to
business users especially the intuitive MMI multimedia
interface controlled by a central rotary dial. The cavernous
interior feels upmarket and refined, and is comfortable
for long journeys. Just watch out for cars with rock-hard
S line suspension SE-spec versions ride better.
Price Now 15,000 2011/61-reG, 47k
Best Buys 15,000-20,000

at this price, top execs to sports car legends are within reach
Luxury Jaguar XJ
4x4 bmw x5
THE BMW X5 has always been an SUV that
aims to deliver a thrilling driving experience.
Theres plenty of grip and superb body control,
giving it a planted feel through corners, and
even on standard road tyres theres enough
in the way of rugged ability for most needs.
The interior is slick helped by an improved
iDrive system and a large colour multimedia
screen and we found a 2010 X5 30d SE for
18,700. Its the pick of the range, with BMWs
silky-smooth 3.0-litre turbodiesel delivering lots of
low-down torque and reasonable running costs.
Price Now 18,700 2010/10-REG, 73k

66 Special Issue
Pricenew:43,980
model:xdrive30dse
turbodiesel,241bhp
Economy:38.2mpg
EuroNCAP:
AFTER years of Jaguars traditional design

language, the current XJ marked a big styling
departure for the brand, with the flagship
model shaking off the country club image
and trading it for a modern, vodka bar vibe.
The 3.0-litre diesel Premium Luxury model is
our pick of the range thanks to its cocooning cabin
and nimble chassis. The ride is on the sporty side,
but its still comfortable, and thanks to the plush
interior, youre left feeling fresh after every journey.
With the potential to return 41mpg and go from
0-60mph in 6.4 seconds, the V6 engine is a star.
Pricenew:38,600
model:3.0DPremiumluxury
Engine:3.0-LITREV6
TURBODIESEL,271bhp
Economy:41.2mpg
EuroNCAP: N/A
Price Now 19,950 2010/10-REG, 78k

Bargain buys
Half-Price Heroes
Fun Porsche 911

the A6s
Few cars can match design
ck
Sli
or.
eri
int
superb
mean
and top-notch nish
.
its a cut above rivals
jam es batc helo r

news editor
PORSCHES 911 has ruled the sports car roost

for years, and despite challenges from Audi and
Aston Martin, the rear-engined legend has always
emerged on top. With prices of 997-generation
models now below 20,000, the more powerful
911 Carrera S is an affordable, iconic sports car.
Porsches flat-six engine churns out 355bhp,
which makes for a 0-60mph sprint time of 4.8
seconds. Theres the option of four-wheel drive
for all-weather security, but the rear-driven car is
purer with a delicious steering feel and a pointy
front end. Both are equally fun, though, and
available for the price of a new family hatch.
Pricenew:69,900
model:CarreraS
Economy:24.5mpg
EuroNCAP:N/A
Price Now 19,990 2005/55-REG, 79k
the green choice
Hot Hatch Volkswagen golf R

THE ultra hot hatch is a recent phenomenon that
has manufacturers cramming more power and
technology into their regular, everyday family
cars. The VW Golf R arguably started that craze.
But with more power and a heavy four-wheeldrive system, the R lost a little bit of the cheaper
GTIs finesse. Still, theres massive all-weather
potential on offer here, and with the solid
interior of the Mk6 Golf brought to life by a
few racier touches, this will be a docile car for
the school run but a thrill on typical British
B-roads at around half of its original price.
Price Now 15,800 2010/10-REG, 39k

Pricenew:30,345
model:Golfr
Engine:2.0-LITRE
4cylTURBO,267bhp
Economy:33.2mpg
EuroNCAP:
Lexus RX 450h
LUXURY hybrid cars dont need to cost the

earth, as the Lexus RX 450h proves. It was
the first premium hybrid SUV on sale, and
early third-generation cars have now lost
more than half of their value. We found
a 69,000-mile SE-spec car for 18,995.
Compared to modern hybrids, the RXs
1.2-mile electric-only range is poor and its
446-litre boot small, but what you do get for
a good price are low running costs, generous
standard equipment and excellent refinement.
Pricenew:41,600
Model:400hse
Engine:3.5-litreV6
petrol-electric,295bhp
Economy:44.8mpg
EuroNCAP:N/a
Price Now 18,995 2009/59-reg, 69k

Special Issue 67
HHalf-Price
Coupe BMW 6 Series
BUYING a diesel coup
Pricenew:62,080
doesnt mean you have
model:640d
to compromise when it
comes to performance,
CO2/roadtax:143G/KM/145
as the BMW 640d proves.
Surprisingly, its actually
Economy:54.3mpg
faster in the sprint from
EuroNCAP:N/A
0-60mph than its 640i
petrol equivalent, thanks
to the massive 630Nm peak torque output thats available
low down in the rev range, from a mere 1,500rpm.
If the diesel model beats the petrol car for performance, it
positively annihilates its stablemate for fuel economy. BMW
claims that the 640d will return up to 54.3mpg, while the 640i
can muster only 38.2mpg and with CO2 emissions as low
as 143g/km, itll be 80 a year cheaper to tax.
Values of BMWs sleek four-seat coup have steadily fallen
away, to the point where entry into a big, premium, German
two-door such as the 640d is now incredibly affordable. We
spotted a 2012 model for sale with only 23,000 miles on the
clock for 29,890. This is towards the top end of this price
range, but with a new car costing 63,130, and boasting
a fair amount of equipment as standard, the 640d coup
represents a lot of flash for not much cash.
Price Now 29,890 2012/12-reg, 23k
Best Buys 20,000-30,000

at this price, some of the finest cars in the world can be yours
4X4 Range Rover Sport

IF you like your SUVs with a little more style than
the norm, the Range Rover Sport is about the best
there is. We found some great-value facelifted cars
on sale second-hand for less than 27,000, all
with the desirable TDV6 diesel.
This engine gives more than enough power for
day-to-day use, and economy is fair at 33.2mpg,
although expect closer to the mid-20s on average.
It might not be quite as good off-road as the regular
Range Rover, but on tarmac the Sport feels that bit
more responsive. Better still, it boasts similar
towing capacity and just as much refinement.
Price Now 26,667 2011/60-REG, 45k

68 Special Issue
Pricenew:53,995
model:Sport3.0TDV6HSE
Engine:3.0-litreV6diesel,208bhp
Economy:33.2mpg
EuroNCAP:N/A
Performance Mercedes SLK

BIG engines shoehorned into small cars often
dominate the driving experience, and the
Mercedes SLK 55 AMG two-seater convertible
is no different. The snarling 355bhp 5.4-litre V8
engine will push the roadster from 0-60mph in
4.8 seconds. It sounds glorious, too.
The AMG is about more than mere performance,
however. It has a reasonable-sized boot, while
the seven-speed automatic gearbox gives great
cruising potential as well, hampered only by the
23.5mpg average economy. Expect less around
town or if youre using all the performance.
Pricenew:51,585
model:SLK55AMG
Economy:23.5Mpg
EuroNCAP:
Price Now 24,950 2009/59-reg, 25k

Bargain buys
Half-Price Heroes
Luxury Bentley Flying Spur

the fuel
If you can stomach
-powe red
rol
pet
the
n
bills, the
ent
640i and 650i repres
even bigger bargains.
jam es Disd ale

road test editor
LUXURY cars dont all come with six-figure

price tags buying second-hand is the smart,
affordable way to avoid huge depreciation
and get into a premium car for little more
than the price of a diesel family saloon.
Take the Bentley Flying Spur; its more than
100,000 new, but you can now pick up this
prestige limo for a touch more than a top-spec
Ford Mondeo. Averaging 16mpg, itll cost
significantly more than a family saloon to run,
but youre getting a silky 6.0-litre W12 and
imperious refinement, plus plenty of handcrafted
luxury, for around a quarter of its original price.
Pricenew:115,000
model:FlyingSpur
Engine:6.0-litreW12,552bhp
Economy:16.0mpg
EuroNCAP:N/A
Price Now 28,999 2005/05-reg, 49k
Green CHOICE cutting your bills
Convertible Jaguar XK
CONVERTIBLE motoring can be a thrill, but its
even better when theres a beautiful soundtrack
and few drop-tops sound better than this Jag.
Newer versions of the supercharged XKR are out
of reach if you have 30,000 to spend, but thisll
buy a 5.0-litre V8 XK. The roaring engine gives a
delicious soundtrack, yet the compliant ride, hide
trim and well insulated drop-top make it a great
long-distance cruiser. Beware of minor drawbacks,
however, including the small, awkwardly shaped
boot and ageing cabin. On the plus side, triedand-tested mechanicals should give no trouble.
Price Now 29,000 2010/10-reg, 30K

Pricenew:62,500
model:XK
Economy:25.2mpg
EuroNCAP:N/A
Mercedes E-CLass Hybrid

THE E300 Hybrid hasnt long been on sale, but
with used cars fetching 17,000 less than list
you can now a make a sizeable saving on one
of the most refined, efficient hybrids around.
The car we found had done 31,000 miles,
yet the E-Classs cabin is hard-wearing and
the mechanicals proven. The diesel/electric
powerplant serves up decent performance:
228bhp means 0-60mph in 7.5 seconds, so
its an efficient, premium saloon thats cheap
to run but doesnt require daily compromises.
Pricenew:39,645
Model:E300Hybrid
diesel-electric,228bhp
Economy:68.9mpg
EuroNCAP:
Price Now 22,900 2012/62-reg, 31k

Special Issue 69
tough, but
Range Rovers are
l. Check
the gearbox can fai
its
for noises and ensure s.
had regular oil change
jac k rix
associate editor
Best Buys 30,000-plus

blow the budget, and some truly amazing cars can be yours
Coupe Aston Martin DB9

FOR years Aston Martin has been voted the
coolest brand in the car world, thanks in part to
the DB9. The gorgeous coup marries a burbling
V12 to a smooth automatic box and a cosseting
interior to give huge continent-crossing potential.
In the 11 years its been around, the styling may
not have changed much, but the DB9 has been
gradually updated, giving it more power and
sharper handling. Of course, Aston ownership
isnt cheap 65,000 will buy you a 2010 model
although many DB9s are only used as weekend
cars, so few will have covered serious mileage.
Price Now 64,495 2010/10-REG 18K

70 Special Issue
Pricenew:122,445
model:DB9
Economy:19.3mpg
EuroNCAP: N/A
Performance Audi R8
THE R8 was Audis first attempt at cracking the
supercar class, and a hostile shot across the
bows of the Porsche 911. It combines the brands
traditional immaculate build quality with a touch
more design flair and driver engagement.
Around 60,000 will buy you an R8 V10, but
40,000 will get you the keys to the equally
desirable V8. Youll never tire of the 414bhp
4.2-litre engines noise and performance, while
the four-wheel-drive chassis delivers entertaining
handling. The R8 is also usable every day, with
good visibility and a decent-sized boot.
Pricenew:78,195
model:R8V8
Economy:19.3mpg
EuroNCAP: N/A
Price Now 39,995 2008/57-REG, 75k

Bargain buys
Half-Price Heroes
4x4 Range Rover

Pricenew:84,320
model:TDV8autobiography
Engine:3.8-litreV6diesel,309bhp
C02/roadtax:253G/km/500
Economy:30.1mpg
EuroNCAP:
WHAT if we said you could have all the luxury, refinement
and off-road ability of a Range Rover thats barely four years
old for less than 40,000? Youd barely believe us and we
could hardly believe it until we checked the price guides!
The arrival of the current-generation Range Rover late
in 2012 has hit second-hand values of the previous car,
and it means the market is awash with attractively priced
low-mileage models like the Autobiography we spotted.
Last-of-the-line TDV8 versions such as this are now
hovering around half of their original list price, and theyre
the pick of the line-up, with the lovely, smooth 309bhp 3.8-litre
diesel engine delivering effortless power. By comparison, a
brand new Range Rover SDV8 Vogue costs 80,850.
Expect lots of equipment in that sumptuous interior,
and youll never fail to be impressed by how a car that rivals
a Mercedes S-Class for luxury can take the most challenging
terrain in its stride. But bear in mind that while a second-hand
Range Rover might look like a snip to buy, it wont necessarily
be cheap to run claimed economy stands at 30.1mpg, but if
you push the diesel hard or use the car off-road, youre unlikely
to match this. Servicing and things like tyres will be pricey, too.
Still, with an accomplished ride, amazing cruising ability and
a peerless image, many buyers will be able to overlook this.
Price Now 38,546 2011/11-reg, 46k
Style Maserati Quattroporte

FOR the price of a brand new Audi A6 3.0 TDI
automatic you could be driving around in a
V8 Maserati with bags of style buy wisely
and a luxury lifestyle on the road doesnt
have to cost as much as you think.
The naturally aspirated 400bhp V8 sounds
glorious and delivers a thumping hit of
performance, taking the Quattroporte from
0-60mph in 5.7 seconds. But itll also hit your
bank balance. Even official figures show the
4.2 cant quite crack 20mpg. Still, next to
luxury saloons from Audi, BMW and Mercedes,
the Maserati has the edge in terms of character.
Pricenew:79,555
model:4.2
Economy:19.2mpg
EuroNCAP: N/A
Price Now 39,990 2010/60-REG, 41k
GReen Choice cutting your bills
Luxury Rolls-Royce Phantom

FEW manufacturers can claim to make the best
car in the world, but Rolls-Royce is one of them.
When it returned with the Phantom in 2003,
it redefined what was possible in the luxury
saloon sector, and now you can buy a Roller
like this with a big saving over new.
Today, the car is difficult to spot from the
subtly facelifted current model, and the 6.75-litre
V12 engine is similar and beautifully refined, too.
The Phantom is also surprisingly agile for its size
and is enjoyable to drive, even if most owners
tend to spend more time in the back.
Price Now 94,995 2003/53-REG, 33k

Pricenew:250,000
modelPhantom
Economy:17.8mpg
EuroNCAP:N/A
BMW ActiveHybrid 7
BMWs hi-tech i electric cars can trace their
roots back to the companys earlier exploits
with hybrid technology. The ActiveHybrid 7
combined a characterful six-cylinder petrol
engine with an electric motor, giving a total
of 349bhp and 158g/km CO2 emissions.
More importantly, savage depreciation
makes the big BMW a serious bargain. We
found an ActiveHybrid 7 less than one year
old with only 1,500 miles on the market for
41,950 around 25,000 cheaper than new.
Pricenew:69,300
Pricenow: 41,950
Model:ActiveHybrid7
Engine:3.0-litre6CYL
petrol/electric,349bhp
Economy:41.5mpg
EuroNCAP:N/A
Price Now 41,950 2014/64-REG, 1.5k

Special Issue 71
HHalf-Price
F1 tech MClaren 12c
pricenew:168,500
model:12c
Engine:3.8-litretwin-turboV8,592bhp
Economy:24.2mpg
EuroNCAP: N/A
WHEN McLaren launched its game-changing 12C supercar in

2011, it sent a message of intent to its nemesis, Ferrari. The
British brands best known for its racing, and its first massproduction car has been the 458s closest rival ever since.
F1-derived technology, including a carbon-fibre chassis,
is matched by an equally exotic drivetrain. The cars 3.8-litre
twin-turbo V8 engine originally produced 592bhp, but was later
upgraded to 616bhp. The 12C also boasts a lightning-fast
dual-clutch gearbox that helps it to accelerate from 0-62mph
in just 3.3 seconds and up to a top speed of 205mph.
It wasnt just the performance that saw McLaren arrive on
the supercar scene with a bang, either clever, electronically
adjustable suspension allows the 12C to be as firm as a racer
one minute and as soft and forgiving as a Rolls-Royce the next.
The stunning looks are tempting, but although you might be
able to pick up a used example with a significant saving over the
original 168,500 list price, its still going to be costly to run.
Price Now 103,950 2012/12-reg, 13k
Best Buys SUPERCARS

save big on the greatest names in the performance car world
thoroughbred Ferrari 458

AS a used supercar purchase, the Ferrari 458
offers it all: badge appeal, smoldering looks
and huge performance. Many 458s will have
been specified with myriad options when new,
so buying second-hand is a smart way to avoid
eye-watering extra costs and huge depreciation.
Itll still set you back a significant sum, but at
around the 120,000 mark, youll have plenty of
used choice at just over 50 per cent of the list price.
For one of the best Ferraris ever with a screaming
562bhp 4.5-litre V8, its an attractive proposition
just make sure you budget for running costs.
Price Now 116,490 2010/10-REG, 11k

72 Special Issue
Pricenew:178,551
model:458
Economy:21.2mpg
EuroNCAP: N/A
big brit Bentley Continental GT

BEFORE the Continental GT, Bentley was known
for big, luxury saloons. But the coup opened the
brand up to a new youthful audience. The GT Speed
is the most powerful version, with its huge 6.0-litre
twin-turbo W12 engine uprated to 602bhp.
It blends effortless performance with superb
levels of comfort and a beautifully handcrafted
interior. The 0-62mph sprint takes 4.3 seconds
impressive given the GTs considerable weight
but youd never know it, as its so refined. However,
economy is poor, with around 15mpg on a cruise
and less if you fully exploit the 602bhp engine.
Pricenew:141,300
model:GTSpeed
Engine:6.0-litretwinturboW12,602bhp
Economy:17.0mpg
EuroNCAP: N/A
Price Now 56,890 2008/58-reg, 27k

Bargain buys
Half-Price Heroes
4wd fun Lamborghini Gallardo

rket,
At this end of the ma e
a tru
its dif ficult to find
the
half-price hero, but
e still
savings offered her
look ver y tempting.
jam es disd ale

road test editor
All-roundER Porsche 911

IF you want a devastatingly effective all-weather
supercar, then look no further than the Porsche
911 Turbo. The brand has honed and evolved its
turbocharged 911 over the years to the point
where, with four-wheel drive and the option of
either a manual or PDK automatic box, its as
much at home on the road as on the race track.
Around 63,000 will buy you a well looked
after standard 2009 Turbo with 493bhp at its
disposal, allowing it to sprint from 0-62mph in
just 3.3 seconds. If you want even more oomph,
then opt for the more powerful Turbo S model.
Price Now 62,995 2009/59-REG, 40k

Pricenew:99,678
model:Turbo
Engine:3.8-litreflat-six
twin-turbo,493bhp
Economy:24.4mpg
EuroNCAP: N/A
THE Gallardo was designed as Lamborghinis

entry-level model, but its every bit as exciting as
the brands wild flagship hypercars. Featuring
outlandish looks, a howling, mid-mounted V10
engine and savage performance, the Italian twoseater delivers some seriously intoxicating thrills.
Yet thanks to its four-wheel-drive transmission
and the influence of parent brand Audi, the
Gallardo handles sweetly and is surprisingly
robust. Despite its popularity when new, prices
for the Gallardo are starting to harden, as buyers
have realised this is a classic of the future. So
snap up a bargain now, before its too late.
Pricenew:117,000
model:Gallardo
Economy:14.5mpg
EuroNCAP: N/A
Price Now 65,995 2004/54-REG, 32k
classic Mercedes slr mCLaren

ALTHOUGH the Mercedes SLR McLaren has
been around for more than a decade now, its
styling is no less shocking which makes it
the perfect outrageous used supercar choice.
The supercharged 5.4-litre V8s soundtrack
matches the cars looks, plus its a member
of the 200mph club. This product of a shortlived collaboration between Mercedes and
McLaren still treads the line between visceral
sports car and relaxed GT beautifully, and with
second-hand values now hovering around
180,000, it could be a brilliant investment.
Pricenew:317,610
Model:SLRMclaren
Engine:5.4-litre
superchargedV8,617bhp
C02/roadtax:357G/KM/500
Economy:19.5mpg
Euroncap:N/A
Price Now 179,950 2006/06-reg, 15k

Special Issue 73
Half-Price Heroes
Her Bargain buys
Chris Ebbs
@AE_Consumer
WHEN fuel prices hit a peak of

1.42 per litre back in April 2012,
motorists quickly tried to find the
easiest way out of their large, gasguzzling cars and into something
smaller and more fuel efficient.
That resulted in used prices of
big-engined, thirsty cars dropping
dramatically, and the price-cut
hangover still remains today.
However, whats different
now is that fuel costs have fallen
significantly since the mid-2012
panic, with one filling station in
Birmingham even cutting the price
of unleaded to less than 1 per litre.
With petrol prices expected to
remain around their current low rate,
or even drop further, weve scoured
the classifieds to find a selection of
cars that you could consider now
the costs have been softened.
From high-end, luxurious
limousines to powerful and iconic
sports cars, not only could
you get something a
little different on
your drive, but
you could be
making a decent
investment on
some of these
cars in the
process, as
they enter
the realm of
classic status.
Dr. Velautham
Sarveswaran cut
petrol to under
1 a litre at his
forecourt; others
are set to follow,
so thirsty cars
look tempting
GO L ARGE!
big, thirsty petrol cars now make far more sense as pump prices fall, and weve found some real bargains
seven seats Mercedes GL 500

A REAL rival for the Range Rover, the Mercedes GL
easily delivers on the road, even if it doesnt quite
have the off-road prowess of the British 4x4.
Despite its massive size, the GL 500 covers
0-60mph in 6.3 seconds, thanks to its 5.5-litre V8.
Climb inside, and youre greeted by exactly
what youd expect from a Mercedes plenty
of clever tech and a plush finish throughout.
The price tag might look a little high, but
thats a fraction of the 60,000-plus the original
owner would have paid, and youre getting
a massive amount of car for your cash.
Price Now 22,950 2009/59-reg, 76K

74 Special Issue
Pricenew:61,969
Costtofillup2012:142
Costtofillupnow:106
class Rolls silver shadow

THERE are few finer things in the automotive
world than a Rolls-Royce, and while the modern
cars boast impressive tech, its the older models
that really show off the manufacturers attention
to detail and beautiful handmade craft.
The Silver Shadows figures look similar to those
of the Bentley Turbo R which was based loosely
on the Rolls-Royce so it clearly has pedigree.
A full tank may still look a little pricey, but there
arent many cars left in the world that will make you
feel like royalty when in them, particularly if youre
lucky enough to be getting a lift in the back.
PriceNew:6,557
Costtofillupnow:114
Price Now 7,490 1978/T-reg, 100k

Bargain buys
Half-Price Heroes
4x4 Jeep Grand

Cherokee Limited
luxury Bentley Turbo R

IF youre after something with the grandeur of a presidential motorcade,
then the Bentley Turbo R should be right at the top of your wish list.
This model boasts the luxury that youd expect from the British brand,
but also offers a little more than a relaxing waft down the high street. Despite
weighing well over two tonnes, the Turbo R was the high-performance Bentley of
its time, and could go from 0-60mph in seven seconds, thanks to its 315bhp V8.
Itll still set you back a fair amount in fuel, but if you keep it back for special
occasions not just nipping out to give it a few ostentatious revs when heading
to the shops for a pint of milk then it begins to make some sense.
Pricenew:101,390
Costtofillupnow:114
Price Now 7,395 1990/H-reg, 134K
WHILE a Range Rover may

be the popular choice for
those after a large, powerful
SUV, the Jeep Grand
Cherokee deserves a
little more consideration
than it tends to get.
The exterior may be a
bit brash and too American
looking for some, but climb
aboard and the interior feels
plush for a car of this age.
More importantly, while
the Grand Cherokee might
not be able to rival some
of its European rivals for
luxury, its brilliant off-road,
as youd expect from a Jeep.
It also represents something
of a bargain in this class.
Pricenew:30,995
Costtofillupnow:83
Price Now 1,750 2001/51-reg, 68k
able coups
There are more cap its
but
than the Maserati,
style and snarling V8 .
ist
make it hard to res
style Maserati 4200
Pricenew:56,650
Costtofillupnow:93
THE Maserati has all the hallmarks of a

sleek Italian sports car: its good looking
with a wonderful V8 engine developed by
Ferrari. Plus, it got a welcome boost in build
quality over previous Maseratis, thanks
to Maranellos input, and this only adds
to the appeal of the luxurious 2+2.
If the idea of a Porsche 911 leaves you
feeling a little cold, then the 4200 might
les ley har ris

road tester
represent an exotic alternative. The car

is now more than a decade old, but the
Maserati badge, sleek lines and classy
interior still offer a real sense of occasion.
Price Now 15,695 2004/04-reg, 53k

Special Issue 75
HalfHalf-Price
f-Price Her
Heroes
roes Bargain buys
style Alfa
Romeo Spider
Pricenew:29,690
Costtofillup2012:99
Costtofillupnow:74
YOU should know by now exactly what
youre getting with an Alfa Romeo, and
the Spider fits the manufacturers mould
perfectly. Theres the textbook sharp
design, the charismatic engines and
the boldly styled interior.
Where the Spider begins to stand
out from some of its predecessors is
in terms of reliability, as it brings a
big improvement although its
still not a completely safe bet.
The V6 engine sounds fantastic
even more so with the top
down and, at
todays prices,
T E S T E r S n o t e s . .. ive lines hide
this car will cost
The Alfas seduct
pinnings,
you the same
humble hatch under
vely
so it should be relati
as a standard
e to run.
-fre
sle
has
German saloon
jam es disd ale
to fill up. We
road test editor
know which
wed rather have.
180 words into here
Price Now 8,950 2007/56-reg, 55k
sex appeal Aston Martin DB7

THE DB7 is not just a good-looking Aston Martin;
its widely regarded as having saved the brand.
It became Astons most successful production
model ever before being replaced by the DB9.
Theres an excellent compromise between
handling and ride quality in the DB7, and
the supercharged straight-six engine is wonderful.
What really sets it apart from some of its more
modern brothers is that it feels like one of the last
original Aston Martins, even if large parts of it were
borrowed from the Jaguar XJS. Its also one of the
more affordable models currently on the market.
Price Now 18,000 1997/P-REG, 67k

76 Special Issue
Pricenew:82,500
Costtofillupnow:94
performance Porsche 928 S4

MENTION the word Porsche, and most peoples
will immediately think of the 911 but the
928 offers something a little different.
This car was actually created to replace the
911, although it never quite worked out like that.
Still, the S4 model was a technical masterpiece
at launch in 1987, and the V8 engine was pushed
from the original 4.5 to 5.0 litres, which only made
it sound better and further boosted performance.
It might not be everyones first-choice Porsche,
but with the 928 you get an alternative that
looks just as good and will cruise effortlessly.
Pricenew:55,441
Costtofillupnow:91
Price Now 13,995 1988/F-REG, 93k

Bargain buys
Half-Price Heroes
muscle Vauxhall Monaro VXR

AFTER the style of the Alfa, how about
something thats a bit more brutal? The
Vauxhall Monaro VXR should fit the bill.
Essentially a rebadged Holden from
Australia, the Monaro is a noisy 6.0-litre
beast thats all about power rather than
precision. Fortunately, that gives it enough
charm and fun factor to warrant your interest.
The best thing about the Vauxhall, other
than its 398bhp output, is that its plummeted
in value. So, even before fuel prices got out of
hand, it was already struggling to hold its price
making it an even better used buy now.
Pricenew:37,040
Costtofillupnow:80
Price Now 8,996 2006/56-REG, 121k
classic Jaguar XJS

WITH its unmistakable long bonnet, this luxury grand tourer stood the test of time for more than
two decades, as Jaguar built various versions of the XJS from 1975 to 1996. And its easy to see
why while theres a whiff of the seventies about it, this is still a smart-looking and stylish car.
You can find models with smaller engines, but if youre going to dip your toe into XJS ownership,
you may as well go the whole hog and buy a powerful 5.3-litre version now that the cost of filling
up the tank has dipped below the 100 mark. Plus, with values hardening, this Jag is beginning
to look like a decent investment in the long run, as we predicted it would in Issue 1,319.
Pricenew:34,200
Costtofillupnow:94
Price Now 4,990 1989/G-reg, 55k

Special Issue 77
Half-Price Heroes How to slash your bills
cutting theco
weve shown how you can save
big on your next car now, we
reveal what you can do to slash
your everyday motoring bills
EVEN if youve bagged a bargain with one of the Half-Price

Heroes weve picked out over the past 32 pages, running that car
isnt cheap. The cost of ownership is never-ending, whether its fuel,
insurance, breakdown cover, repairs or maintenance. So while we all
know how to hunt for a good deal in the classifieds or haggle on the
list price, what can you do to slash the costs of motoring altogether?
Our handy tips reveal how to keep control of your finances...
Breakdown
Fuel
Insurance
Maintenance
PAYING for cover on the

off-chance your car might
break down can seem a
waste, but the peace of
mind it brings is hard to
beat. There are plenty of
recovery firms you just
need to find the best. Our
Driver Power ownership
survey regularly ranks
GEM Motoring Assist at
the top, but do check a
few things before taking
out a fresh policy.
If youve bought a car
new, a years breakdown
cover may be included.
Makers such as Audi, Kia,
Ford and Citroen have all
done deals. Breakdown
cover can often be netted
as part of an insurance
policy, too. Itll be offered
as an add-on often
free thatll sweeten the
premium and work out
cheaper than a
standalone annual
breakdown product.
Banks do the same.
Nationwide, Lloyds and
Halifax are among those
who offer paid-for
accounts with breakdown
policies, often alongside
travel and phone cover.
Its a similar situation
with household insurance,
which will sometimes
include breakdown
cover with a policy.
THE cost of fuel might be

at a five-year low, but its
still expensive if youre
doing high mileage or
have a thirsty engine.
The simplest way to limit
how much youre paying
is to find a garage thats
offering a decent price, as
retailers can fluctuate by
20p per litre. Locate the
cheapest by visiting a
site like Petrolprices.com,
which will show you the
lowest pump prices within
a 10-mile radius.
The supermarket price
war has also helped to
drive down costs, and
some leading grocery
brands will offer special
fuel-saving deals when
you spend a certain
amount in store. If youre
doing a weekly shop, its
worth going somewhere
thatll reward you with
vouchers. Loyalty cards
such as Nectar or Tesco
Clubcard can also net
you some savings over
the long term.
Some banks are getting
in on the action, offering
cashback cards. The 123
account from Santander
will give you money back
when you fill up, although
youll be capped per month
and have to pay an admin
fee for the account.
WHILE the minimum

insurance cover you
require in order to drive
legally on UK roads is
third-party, surprisingly its
not always the cheapest
option. Fully comprehensive
policies can often cost
less despite offering more,
so make sure you get
a quote for both.
And while driving
fewer miles will cut wear
and tear on your car and
reduce fuel bills, itll also
help with the insurance
premium. If you travel
less and can accurately
predict your mileage
on your policy, youll
pay less annually.
Taking out a policy
with a higher excess is
also worth considering.
When you make a claim
for less than 500 worth
of damage, it can increase
the future cost of insurance
and invalidate your noclaims bonus, so its not
always worthwhile. Set the
excess over 500 and your
annual premium will fall.
Of course, the
best advice for cutting
insurance in general is
to shop around. Loyalty
is rarely rewarded in the
industry, so come renewal
time get fresh quotes
before signing up.
RECENT figures show one

in 10 drivers struggles to
pay for their cars upkeep
and is driving around in an
unsafe vehicle. Avoid falling
into that bracket; consider
some of these solutions.
MoTs are a yearly cost, yet
while the test fees capped
at 54.85, you neednt pay
the full amount. KwikFit and
Halfords do them for 30.
Its post-MoT repairs
that really hit hard, so use
a council-run test centre.
Theyve no vested interest
in seeking unnecessary,
costly repairs unlike some
unscrupulous garages.
To avoid failure, do some
basic pre-test checks. Faulty
bulbs, wipers or tyre tread
depth and pressures can
all fall foul, but are cheap
and easy to fix yourself.
Need new tyres? Hunt
around for a discount.
Our tests have shown
Blackcircles.com is a good
place to get up to 40 per
cent off major brands.
Finally, consider a
servicing package. If youre
buying a car new or used
from a dealer, think
about taking up a monthly
payment deal thatll fix the
cost of maintenance over
three years. Thisll avoid
an unexpected outlay 12
months down the line.
78 Special Issue
How to slash your bills
Half-Price Heroes
st ofmotoring
50% Auto Express half-price offer
OFF
TO celebrate our Half-Price Heroes feature, you can start a trial subscription to Auto Express for half
price. Turn to Page 129 for full details on how to get six copies for only 50p. Youll ensure you never
miss an issue of Britains biggest-selling weekly car magazine with free delivery to your door each
week and beyond your six issue trial youll still get a 46 per cent saving on the shop price.
ww
Special Issue 79
Road tests
Visit autoexpress.co.uk for the latest new cars and drives
90
ULTIMATE MEGANE
vs PORSCHE CAYMAN
Is stripped-out, 37k
Renaultsport Trophy R
a match for Porsche?
and
Audi A3 Sportback e-tron
Price: 29,950 Engine: Electric motor/1.4-litre 4cyl, 201bhp

0-60mph: 7.9 seconds Test economy: 32.2mpg/7.1mpl
CO2: 37g/km Annual road tax: 0
80 Special Issue
98
100
LIVING WITH A...

MAZDA 3
After a year and nearly
32,000 miles, our mans
at one with trusty steed.
LIVING WITH A...

HYUNDAI i10
City car meets supermini
big brother. Which is
better? We decide.
Latest user-friendly plug-in cars promise great efficiency, but is Audis new
A3 e-tron hybrid a better bet than range-extending BMW and Mitsubishi?
ECO-friendly plug-in models are
slowly gaining in popularity, so its
no real surprise that after decades of
experimentation Audi has finally decided
to jump on the petrol-electric bandwagon.
The new A3 e-tron is based on the classy
A3 Sportback, and packages together a 1.4-litre
petrol turbo and 75kW motor, while a compact
lithium-ion battery pack sits under the back

seat. Its raw statistics certainly look compelling,
with a 31-mile claimed electric range, CO2
emissions of 37g/km and 176.6mpg economy.
Just as importantly, Audi says these figures
dont come at the expense of the standard
Sportbacks space, refinement and upmarket
appeal. However, there are many different
ways to package the perfect plug-in, as our

other contenders here prove. Mitsubishis
rugged Outlander PHEV claims to deliver all the
practicality of the standard model, but with a
30-mile electric range city car-humbling costs.
Completing our trio is BMWs daring i3
Range Extender, which sets the class standard
for efficiency, design and driving dynamics.
Pictures: Pete Gibson Location: Hoton, Leicestershire All prices include 5,000 Government plug-in car grant
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GX3h
Price: 28,249 Engine: Two electric motors/2.0-litre 4cyl, 200bhp

BMW i3 with Range Extender
Price: 29,130 Engine: Electric motor/647cc 4cyl, 168bhp

Special Issue 81
Road test
Audi A3 e-tron vs rivals
MODEL TESTED: Audi A3 Sportback e-tron
PRICE: 29,950 ENGINE: Electric motor/1.4-litre 4cyl, 201bhp

AUDIS been dabbling with hybrid tech
ever since it pulled the covers off its duo
concept at the 1989 Frankfurt Motor Show.
However, only now has the brand put a petrolelectric model into production. The A3 e-tron
is a plug-in hybrid that combines a traditional
1.4-litre petrol engine with a 101bhp electric
motor to deliver claimed fuel economy of
176.6mpg and CO2 emissions of only 37g/km.
Styling 4.0/5
SUBTLETY is the watchword with the e-tron,
because its virtually indistinguishable from
a standard Sportback. Eagle-eyed enthusiasts
will spot the e-tron badges, carefully reproled
front bumper and LED headlamps, but the
rest of the car is pure A3. Even the socket for
the charging cable is hidden away behind the
four-ringed badge although, unlike the
others here, the opening isnt illuminated,
making plugging in after dark hit-and-miss.
Inside, youll have just as much trouble
identifying the newcomer as an eco-friendly
hybrid. Theres a power gauge in place of the
rev counter and a smattering of e-tron logos,
but thats about it. Still, thats no bad thing,
because the A3s cabin is one of the best around.
Not only is its design slick and layout
thoughtful, its beautifully built and crammed
full of top-grade materials. Highlights include
the knurled metal controls for the stereo and
air-con, plus the intuitive rotary controller for
the MMI infotainment on the centre console.
Another neat touch is the standard seven-inch
high-resolution display screen that glides out
of the top of the dash at the touch of a button.
Given the Audis hefty price tag, its no
surprise to nd it comes loaded with standard
kit, including sat-nav, keyless entry, dual-zone
climate control and a DAB radio. You even get
an iPod connection, which is normally an
extra-cost option on Audi models.
Driving 3.4/5
UNLIKE its rivals here, the Audi is a hybrid
rather than a range extender. This means the
electric motor is housed between the internalcombustion engine and six-speed twin-clutch
box, letting it drive the car in battery mode
alone, or assist the engine to boost performance.
You can choose how the powerplant distributes
its energy via the EV button on the dash, by
toggling through four different driving
modes: EV, Hybrid, Hold and Charge.
On a full charge, EV allows you to travel
around 30 miles at speeds of up to 81mph in
pure electric mode, while Hold saves battery
power until you get to a city or village, where
you might prefer to use the zero-emissions
electric motor. Once the lithium-ion cells are
The subtle Audi A3

e-tron is virtually
indistinguishable from
a standard Sportback
82 Special Issue
drained, Charge mode uses the engine to top

them up again although this takes a heavy toll
on efciency, with economy dropping to well
under 30mpg. The default setting is Hybrid,
which aims to juggle the electric and petrol
motors to make best use of the available energy.
However, in practice its not that simple.
Up to 40mph the car tends to run in EV mode,
but unless youre extremely sensitive with the
throttle the engine res up even when theres
plenty of range left in the batteries. Worse
still, the transition between electric and petrol
running isnt always smooth, and more often
than not theres an uncomfortable pause in
the power delivery as the gearbox and
various motors sort themselves out.
Still, there are few complaints about
performance. With a combined output of
201bhp the Audi comfortably shrugged off its
hefty 1,540kg to sprint from 0-60mph in a
sprightly 7.9 seconds. And while it never feels
as fast as the i3, it seems far more responsive
than the Outlander. As with the standard A3,
the e-tron feels safe, grippy and composed
through corners although the extra weight
of the batteries means the hybrid is a little
lazier to respond to the direct steering.
Renement is good, too. Theres virtually
no whine from the electric motor and the TFSI
petrol becomes intrusive only at high revs. Yet
while the ride is generally settled, its rm at
low speed and can oat over big bumps as the
suspension struggles to control that weight.
Reliability 4.2/5
THE latest A3 nished our Driver Power 2014
satisfaction survey in a superb 16th place out
of 150 cars, with owners praising its quality
and reliability. And while the e-trons hi-tech
drivetrain is new to buyers, Audi has been
developing it for years, so problems should
be few and far between. Even so, the batteries
are covered by a separate eight-year warranty,
while the rest of the car gets the brands
standard three-year guarantee.
All e-trons have seven airbags, stability
control and an active bonnet that pops up in
the event of a pedestrian impact. But forward
collision alert is 200 more, while blind-spot
monitoring and lane-keep assist cost 900.
Exterior
T EST ErS n ote s...
In
a recipe for success.
On paper, the Audis deliver. The biggest
to
reality, it str ugg les brid drivetrain; it
hy
gripe concer ns the
ll resolved as rivals.
just doesnt feel as we
jam es disd ale

road test editor
Audi A3
Interior
Running costs 3.7/5

AS with all our trio, the e-tron makes a lot of
sense for business users. It has marginally the
highest Benet in Kind bills, but itll still save
higher-rate earners nearly 1,000 a year over
an A3 1.6 TDI Sport S tronic. Our experts also
calculate that the e-tron will retain 44.4 per
cent of its value after three years, meaning itll
trade in for more than the Outlander and i3.
However, its not all good news. Audi claims
a 31-mile electric range for the A3, but during
our tests cold conditions we were unable to
do more than 20 miles. Also, over our varied
route the e-tron returned a pretty dismal
32.2mpg. Yet as with all plug-in models, this
gure will improve if youre able to plug the
car in once a day and use it for short-hop
commutes rather than long motorway slogs.
Road test
On the road
SUBTLE e-tron badges, reproled front bumper and LED headlights
are only changes from standard A3; even charging socket is hidden
away behind grille badge. Handling is grippy and composed through
corners, ride is generally settled and renement is good
e-tron
!
CO2/tax
Practicality
Performance
Braking
Running costs
37g/km
0-60/30-70mph
70-0/60-0/30-0mph
32.2mpg (on test)
0 or 5%
280/1,120 litres
7.9/6.6 seconds
51.2/37.9/9.3m
42 fill-up
Like the Outlander,

you can use the Audis
st
shift paddles to boo
the regenerative
braking effect. In
rk
Hold mode they wo
like nor mal shifters,
giving you full
control of the
six-speed box.
les ley har ris

road tester
Cabin
Practicality 3.8/5
THERE arent many clues

that the e-trons a hybrid
inside, but standard A3 style
and quality make this one of
best hatch cabins around
GIVEN that the e-tron is based on a standard A3 Sportback, its no

surprise to nd the cabin is reasonably spacious and comfortable.
Theres plenty of rear head and legroom, plus as with the PHEV
the Audi is full ve-seater. However, there are some compromises.
For starters, packaging the batteries under the boot oor means load
capacity has shrunk by nearly 100 litres to a supermini-sized 280 litres.
Worse still, theres no storage for the charging leads, so they live in a
padded bag that clips on to the side of the load bay. Also, the charger
itself is much bigger and bulkier than the Mitsubishi and BMWs.
On the plus side, the cable is long and the Audi needs only four
hours for a full charge from a domestic supply, or two-and-a-half
hours if you have a special wall-mounted fast charger installed.
Equipment
GENEROUS standard kit
includes sat-nav, keyless
entry, dual-zone climate
control and a DAB radio
Special Issue 83
Road test
Exterior
MODEL TESTED: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GX3h
PRICE: 28,249 ENGINE: Two electric motors/2.0-litre 4cyl, 200bhp
MITSUBISHI has a reputation

for building rugged, no-nonsense
off-roaders, so its PHEV represents a bold
technological step for the brand. Based on
the standard Outlander compact SUV, it
combines a traditional 2.4-litre petrol engine
with a powerful electric motor and all-wheel
drive. Prices range from 28,249 to 39,999,
and we test the entry-level GX3h here.
Styling 2.5/5
AT a glance, the PHEV looks just like a
standard Outlander. That means the same
boxy SUV prole, slab sides and high-riding
stance. However, look closely and youll spot
the blue PHEV badges on the front wings and
tailgate. Youd struggle to call the Mitsubishi
handsome, but the rugged off-roader cues
give it plenty of presence, while the polished
alloy wheels add a touch of class.
Inside, its functional but a little basic.
The combination of gloss-black trim and
silver inserts helps to lift the dash, yet the
rest of the materials feel very low-rent
compared to the Audi and BMWs. The PHEVs
switchgear also lacks its rivals robust feel,
while the stubby gearlever seems cheap.
As with the exterior, there are very few
clues to the Mitsubishis eco-friendly status.
A power gauge takes the place of a traditional
rev counter, and the small TFT screen between
the dials has a number of options to display
the cars efciency but thats about it.
Unfortunately, the PHEV cant even rely
on plenty of standard kit to offset the shortfall
in upmarket appeal. While the GX4h model in
our pictures is generously specied, the GX3h
version tested feels quite spartan. Climate
control, Bluetooth and electric windows are
included, but theres no sat-nav or DAB radio
the A3 and i3 come with this desirable kit.
Driving 2.7/5
THE Mitsubishis 2.0-litre petrol engine is
the largest here, while the combined output
of its two electric motors is an impressive
200bhp thats 32bhp up on the i3. However,
with a hefty 1,810kg kerbweight, the PHEV
was comfortably outperformed by its
competitors at the track, taking a leisurely
10.2 seconds to sprint from 0-60mph.
Matters dont improve out on the road,
where the Outlander never feels as eager as its
smaller rivals. Not only does it respond more
lazily to the throttle at low speed, its slower to
accelerate when overtaking on the motorway.
On the plus side, when left to its own
devices the hybrid system is smoother than
the Audis. Despite a similar range in battery
mode, the Mitsubishis generator is far less
Mitsubishi builds nononsense off-roaders,

so the PHEV is a bold
technological step
84 Special Issue
likely to kick in while theres still power in the

cells. And when it does re up, theres none
of the jerkiness found in the Audi. However,
although the drivetrains smooth, the fourcylinder unit sounds strained when extended.
As with the e-tron, the hybrid system has
numerous settings. For instance, if youve
planned a long journey you can hold the
battery charge on the motorway, saving it for
the city or lanes nearer your destination. You
can also recharge the lithium-ion batteries on
the move using the engine the BMW will
maintain only the minimum charge plus
use the steering wheel-mounted paddles to
increase the regenerative braking effect.
Given its tall stance, its no surprise that the
Outlander doesnt feel as secure as its rivals on
twisting roads. Theres far more body roll and
the suspension quickly loses composure over
mid-corner bumps. Plus, while the steering is
light and direct, it has noticeable kickback.
Our car also suffered from intrusive wind
noise that was exacerbated by front doors that
didnt seal properly. Still, the ride is supple
and road roar is kept to a minimum.
CO2/tax
44g/km
0 or 5%
Practicality
463/1,691 litres
Performance
0-60/30-70mph
10.2/10.0 seconds
!
Braking
70-0/60-0/30-0mph
51.4/37.1/9.1m
Reliability 3.5/5
DESPITE its reputation for building rugged,
no-nonsense cars, Mitsubishi nished our
Driver Power 2014 satisfaction survey in a
disappointing 23rd place. This lowly rating
was reected in our test cars patchy build
quality. Still, the brand has worked hard to
rene the PHEVs hi-tech underpinnings,
while experience gained from its i-MiEV
electric city car should aid durability.
All Outlander models get seven airbags,
stability control and low-speed collision alert,
but youll have to trade up to the pricer GX4h
model if you want lane-departure warning.
Running costs 3.9/5

ONCE again, the Mitsubishi proves to be a
mixed bag. The good news for business users
is the fact that the PHEVs lowest-on-test price
helps make it marginally the most cost-effective
company car. And although the predicted
residuals of 39.8 per cent are nothing to
write home about, itll be worth over
2,000 more than the i3 after three years.
The Outlanders lithium-ion cells take
about ve hours to charge from a standard
domestic three-pin plug, while this time
drops to three-and-a-half hours if you use a
dedicated fast charger. Either way, youll pay
only a couple of pounds to ll up. With a full
charge Mitsubishi claims the PHEV will travel
around 32 miles in pure EV mode although
during our tests cold conditions this gure
dropped to around 20 miles. On longer
journeys youll have to rely on the petrol
engine, which means bigger fuel bills than
its rivals here. Over our varied test route
we managed a disappointing 28.9mpg.
However, its worth bearing in mind that
an example we recently ran on our eet
managed a more respectable 54mpg
although this gure included plenty
of electric-only commuting miles.
Running costs
28.9mpg (on test)
48 fill-up
Mitsubishi O
Interior
Road test
On the road
WITH boxy prole, slab sides and tall stance, rugged
4x4 looks just like a standard Outlander PHEV
badging is only giveaway. Performance is leisurely,
although hybrid system is smoother than Audis. It
quickly loses composure over mid-corner bumps,
and while steering is light and direct, it kicks back
Outlander PHEV
each
ctric motors one for
PHEV uses two ele
drive.
eel
wh
allt
nen
ma
axle to deliver per
-road ability and a
This gives decent off ing we ight.
tow
maximum 1,500kg
Dean Gibs on
Deputy road test editor
hi
Given the Mitsubis
Outlander PHEVs
large price tag, its
cabin falls we ll short
of expectations.
The design seems
dated and many of
the materials
feel cheap.
Jam es Disd ale

road test editor
Dashboard
POWER gauge replaces
traditional rev counter, and
TFT screen between dials
displays the cars efciency
Fit and nish

CABIN is a little basic. Glossblack trim and silver inserts
lift dash, yet some materials
feel low-rent. The stubby
gearlever seems cheap, too
Practicality 4.4/5
IF you want cabin space and eco-friendly credentials, the Outlander
takes some beating. Its longer, wider and higher than its competitors
in this test, which translates into a much larger interior. Theres
plenty of space for ve adults, while those who are sitting in the back
get more leg and headroom than they would in the BMW or Audi.
Opening the large tailgate reveals a well shaped luggage area
with a cavernous 463-litre capacity thats over 200 litres more
than the BMWs load space. The Mitsubishi also features a hidden
compartment under the boot oor in which to store the charging
cable, as well as a couple of handy hooks. However, the twostage folding seatback mechanism is ddly to operate, while
the load cover looks cheap and feels imsy.
Special Issue 85
Road test
MODEL TESTED: BMW i3 with Range Extender
PRICE: 29,130 ENGINE: Electric motor/647cc 2cyl, 168bhp

BMWS current success can be
attributed to its brilliant range of
high-performance petrol and diesel cars, but
with its hi-tech i3 the company has shown
it has one eye on the future. Packed with
state-of-the-art materials and cutting-edge
engineering, the boldly styled hatchback is
available in pure electric and range-extending
guises and its the latter we test here.
Styling 4.1/5
WHILE the Mitsubishi and Audi are based
on existing models, the i3 has been designed
from the ground up as an EV and it really
shows. Taking its cues from the BMW Coup
Concept that debuted in 2012, the batterypowered car looks like its driven straight
off a designers computer screen.
Lightweight plastics are used for the
sculpted body panels, while the bonnet and
glass tailgate get a gloss-black nish. Other
highlights include the angular window line
and metallic blue trim for the faired-in grille
and lower sills, while our car beneted from
the 1,080 optional 20-inch alloys.
The daring design continues inside. Access
is easy thanks to the rear-hinged doors and
lack of a B-pillar although you have to step
over the wide sill, while the suicide rear doors
can be tricky to use in tight parking spaces.
Once in, youll be able to enjoy the brilliantly
packaged and imaginatively styled layout
thats easy to use and beautifully nished.
Climb into the high-set drivers seat
and the rst thing youll spot is a pair of large
TFT screens one ahead of the driver and one
that appears to oat above the centre of the
dashboard. These units display everything
from speed to sat-nav info, and are controlled
via BMWs trademark iDrive dial.
There are four interior nishes to
choose from standard, 1,000 Loft, 1,500
Lodge and 2,000 Suite and all get brightly
coloured seat and carpet trims, with many
made from sustainable materials. Metallic
blue inserts add the nal ourish, while
the low-set dashboard and vast windscreen
create a bright and airy feel.
Driving 4.2/5
WITH its powerful 168bhp electric motor and
lightweight 1,315kg carbon bre structure,
the BMW has its rivals comfortably beaten at
the track. It goes from 0-60mph in a brisk
7.2 seconds, which was a full three seconds
faster than the cumbersome Mitsubishi.
When the battery capacity drops to 20
per cent, the i3s 647cc motorbike engine
generator kicks in to maintain charge at the
minimum level. Apart from the increase
The BMW i3 looks

like its driven straight
off a designers
computer screen
86 Special Issue
in noise, the performance remains

unchanged although under extreme
loads the cars acceleration will be
blunted to protect the batterys reserves.
Despite featuring a strong energy recovery
function, the i3s brake pedal has a more natural
feel and greater progression than the Audis
and Mitsubishis. You wont need to use it
much, though, because lifting off the throttle
creates a powerful engine braking effect that
returns any wasted energy to the battery.
Surprisingly, its on twisting back roads
where the i3 feels least composed. The steering
is quick and well weighted, and theres more
grip than youd expect from the thin tyres,
but hit a mid-corner bump and the tall i3
quickly becomes unsettled. The short-travel
suspension struggles to contain large body
movements, plus theres plenty of roll. It never
feels like its going to lose control, and the
stability control intervenes smoothly, but its
enough to make you take things a bit easier.
As a result, the BMW is at its best when
being used as a relaxed and rened cruiser.
The suspension copes well on the motorway,
wind noise is kept in check and the twocylinder generator emits only a distant drone
although its more intrusive at lower speeds.
Reliability 3.5/5
BMW has worked hard to make the i3s
hi-tech underpinnings as durable as possible,
but in a bid to reassure buyers, the brand
provides an eight-year/100,000-mile
warranty for the lithium-ion battery pack.
The rest of the car is covered by a standard
three-year/unlimited-mileage guarantee.
With its strong, carbon bre-reinforced
plastic architecture, six airbags and advanced
stability control, the BMW boasts some
excellent safety credentials. However, bluff
front-end styling cost it points in Euro NCAPs
pedestrian-collision tests resulting in a very
disappointing four-star score.
On the plus side, you can add a raft of
advanced safety options, including the 790
Driving Assistant Plus pack. This combines
adaptive cruise control, forward-collision alert
and Trafc Jam Assist, which can accelerate,
steer and brake the car at speeds up to 24mph.
A pedestrian warning noise generator is 85.
Exterior
your only car,

If you plan on using the i3 as
e compromises
then youll need to make som
. But day-to particularly on long jour neys tless
day, its long electric range, effor g make
dlin
performance and nimble han
ks.
up for the clever cars few quir
dean gibso n
deputy road test editor
BMW i3
Interior
Running costs 4.4/5

TAKING into account the 5,000 Government
plug-in car grant, the BMW will set you back
29,130 thats 881 more than the Outlander
PHEV. Still, the i3 is better equipped.
An overnight charge should cost no
more than a few pounds, but the recent cold
weather resulted in only a 60-mile maximum
electric range on our car well short of BMWs
120-mile claim. Even so, on our varied test
route it returned a decent 63.3mpg.
The i3 works out as a more cost-effective
choice for company car users than the A3.
Plus, BMWs ve-year/60,000-mile service
package will set you back a mere 375. Only
the surprisingly poor predicted residuals
of 30.9 per cent give cause for concern.
Road test
Head-to-head
CO2/tax
13g/km
0 or 5%
Practicality
260/1,100 litres
Counting the cost

details
Caption into space
here please
Caption into space
here please
Caption into space
here please
Caption into space
here please
Caption into space
here please
Caption into space
Performance
0-60/30-70mph
7.2/6.5 seconds
Braking
70-0/60-0/30-0mph
52.9/38.3/9.5m
Running costs
Runn
63.3mpg (on test)
63.3mp
9.50 fill-up
Practicality 3.7/5
Gadgets
UNLIKE its rivals here, the i3 is a strict four-seater,

although rear head and legroom match the Audis.
The colourful trim and large windows give an airy
feel, yet while the boot is well shaped and has a at
loading lip, its 260-litre capacity is the smallest.
BMW claims the i3 will travel 120 miles between
charges, although a range of between 80 and 100 miles
in pure electric mode is more realistic with gentle
use. Plugged into a domestic socket, the batteries
can be boosted to an 80 per cent charge within seven
hours, but BMWs powerful 315 i Wallbox charger
slashes this time to three hours. A tiny nine-litre
tank for the range-extending generator means
youll get only around 80 miles between ll-ups.
FOR many potential buyers,

particularly business users, a plugins big appeal is its running costs.
The combination of ultra-low CO2
emissions and the ability to run in
relatively cheap electric-only mode
means some serious savings can
be made. For instance, a higherrate earner will face a 698 annual
Benet in Kind tax bill with the A3
e-tron, while an A3 1.6 TDI Sport
S tronic will set them back 1,553.
Mitsubishi PHEV drivers make
even bigger savings, with top-rate
tax payers saving a huge 2,273
annually over the diesel equivalent.
Thatll help buy a lot of fuel which
is good news, because unless you
charge up every day and limit your
mileage to a short commute, the
Outlander will cost at the pumps.
With the petrol engine running,
itll struggle to crack 30mpg.
As with all our cars, you should
plug the PHEV into the mains as
often as possible. A full charge on
all three will cost no more than a
few pounds, but with its potential
100-mile range the BMW will go
furthest on a full battery.
So the savings are there, but
only if the car ts your lifestyle
and motoring needs. If you cant
get to a socket daily, the fuel bills
will start to add up particularly
on the PHEV and e-tron, which can
recharge on the move but only at
the cost of even heavier fuel use.
However, this tech is improving
all the time, and it wont be long
before a car with a petrol generator
for emergency use and a Tesla
Model S-rivalling 300-mile electric
range arrives. Until then, youll
have to do your sums carefully and
ensure these compromised cars t
with your motoring requirements.
COLUMN-mounted shifter
and iDrive dial among
hi-tech kit tted to
make drivers life easier
Dashboard
CABIN is brilliantly
packaged, imaginatively
styled, easy to use and
beautifully nished
Special Issue 87
Road test
Figures
On-the-road price/total as tested
Residual value (after 3yrs/36,000)
Depreciation
Annual tax liability std/higher rate
Annual fuel cost (12k/20k miles)
Ins. group/quote/road tax band/cost
Cost of 1st/2nd/3rd service
BMW i3
with Range
Extender
Aud A3
Audi
Sportback
Spo
e-tron
e-tro
29,130*/36,625
9,001/30.9%
20,129
341/682
922/1,537
21/383/A/0
375 (5yrs 60k)
RESIDUALS
LURE of BMW
badge isnt enough
to convince used
dealers of bold
i3s worth, so
it suffers from
weak residuals
of 30.9 per cent.
29
29,950*/32,500
13,298/44.4%
16,652
349/698
1,813/3,021
29/390/A/0
TBC
Length/wheelbase
Height/width
Drivetrain
Generator/engine
Peak power/revs
Peak torque/revs
Transmission
Fuel tank capacity/spare wheel
Boot capacity (seats up/down)
Kerbweight/payload/towing weight
Turning circle/drag coefficient
Basic warranty (miles)/recovery
Service intervals/UK dealers
Driver Power manufacturer/dealer pos.
Euro NCAP: Adult/child/ped./stars
3,999/2,570mm
1,578/1,775mm
Elec. motor/2cyl in-line
647cc
168/0 bhp/rpm
250/0 Nm/rpm
Single-speed auto/rwd
9 litres/repair kit
260/1,100 litres
1,315/415kg/N/A
9.9 metres/0.30Cd
3yrs (unlimited)/3yrs
Variable/44
10th/22nd
86/81/57/4
POWER
THE i3 has the
lowest power
output here at
168bhp, but low
kerbweight of
1,315kg meant
it comfortably
set the pace at
our test track.
4,312/2,630mm
1,424/1,785mm
Elec. motor/4cyl in-line
1,395cc
201^/5,000 bhp/rpm
250/1,600 Nm/rpm
6-spd auto/fwd
40 litres/repair kit
280/1,120 litres
1,540/510kg/N/A
10.9 metres/N/A
3yrs (60,000)/3yrs
Variable/34
12th/26th
82/78/66/5
0-60/30-70mph
30-50/50-70mph
Top speed
Braking 70-0/60-0/30-0mph
Noise levels outside/idle/30/70mph
Auto Express econ. (mpg/mpl)/range
Govt combined economy
Govt combined economy
Actual/claimed CO2/tax bracket
7.2/6.5 secs
2.3^^/4.2 secs^^
93mph
52.9/38.3/9.5m**
N/A/N/A/64/73dB
63.3/13.9/125 miles
470.0mpg
103.6mpl
103/13g/km/5%
Airbags/Isofix/park. sensors/camera
Climate control/leather/heated seats
Metallic paint/LED lights/keyless entry
Sat-nav/USB/DAB radio/Bluetooth
Stability/cruise control
Results
Six/yes/yes/790
Yes/2,000/yes
530/yes/330
Yes/yes/yes/yes
Yes/yes
BRAKING
SKINNY, lowrolling-resistance
tyres take their
toll on braking
performance,
with the i3 needing
more space than
its competitors
to come to a halt.
ECONOMY
CLAIMED economy
is highest here,
and is reflected
in our test figures.
Our 63.3mpg
return is average,
but our fleet i3
recorded 134mpg.
1st
BMW
NONE of our contenders

here is perfect, but the
brilliant i3 puts eco-friendly
credentials into the most usable,
everyday package. Designed from the
ground up as an EV, it has the longest
battery range, boldest looks and bestpackaged cabin. While the generator
isnt ideally suited to long motorway
stints, it relieves range anxiety. This
is the best alternative-fuel model.
7.9/6.6 secs
3.5/4.8/6.3/8.0 secs
138mph
51.2/37.9/9.3m**
60/52/62/71dB
32.2/7.1/283 miles
176.6mpg
38.8mpl
203/37g/km/5%
Seven/yes/yes/275
Yes/1,115/260
525/yes/yes
Yes/yes/yes/yes
Yes/225
AUDI
Mitsub
Mitsubishi
Outlander
Outlan
PHEV GX3h
BENEFIT IN KIND
LOW CO2
emissions help
make e-tron a
cheap company
car choice, with
higher-rate earners
saving nearly
1,000 a year
over a diesel A3.
BOOT SPACE
AUDI claims e-tron
is as practical as
standard A3, but
280-litre boot is
85 litres down on
petrol or diesel car.
STANDARD KIT
E-TRON is well
equipped, with
climate control
sat-nav and
keyless go all
included. You
even get powerful
LED headlamps.
2nd
ITS very easy to be

seduced by the e-trons
upmarket badge, classy cabin and
penny-pinching on-paper costs, as
well as its punchy performance.
However, the hybrid set-up feels
less well resolved than rival rangeextenders, while the batteries extra
weight blunts the drive. Finally, if
you use the car for long journeys,
fuel economy suffers, too.
28,24
28,249*/28,249
11,243/39.8%
11
17,006
332/665
2,020/3,366
26/388/A/0
500 (three services)
4,655/2,670mm
1,680/1,800mm
2 x elec. motor/4cyl
1,998cc
200^/4,500 bhp/rpm
190/4,500 Nm/rpm
Single-speed auto/4WD
463/1,691 litres
1,810/500/1,500kg
10.6 metres/N/A
5yrs (62,500)/3yrs
12,500 miles (1yr)/113
23rd/19th
88/84/64/5
10.2/10.0 secs
3.5^^/6.5 secs^^
106mph
51.4/37.1/9.1m**
68/48/68/69dB
28.9/6.4/286 miles
148.0mpg
32.5mpl
226/44g/km/5%
Seven/yes/yes/no
Yes/1,500/no
500/no/yes
No/yes/no/yes
Yes/yes
MITSUBISHI
OFF-ROAD
PHEVs two
electric motors
provide permanent
all-wheel drive,
while ground
clearance is
the same as the
diesel models.
KERBWEIGHT
COMBINATION of
hefty SUV body,
electric motors
and battery means
Outlander tips the
scales at 1,810kg.
MISSING KIT
MITSUBISHI is
sparsely equipped
given its price
sat-nav showing
charging points
really should be
standard on a car
of this type.
3rd
IF you want space,

rugged SUV styling and
low company car tax bills, then the
Outlander PHEV makes a certain
amount of sense. Yet the petrol
engine is thirsty, the interior
feels low-rent and the driving
experience lags behind that of the
best 4x4s. Finally, in GX3h trim it
lacks the standard kit youd expect
on a car costing nearly 30,000.
*Prices include 5,000 Government plug-in car grant. ^Combined output. ^^In kickdown. **Figures recorded in wet. Insurance quotes from AA
(Tel 0800 107 0680 or www.theAA.com) for a 42-year-old living in Banbury, Oxon, with three penalty points. Residual values provided by CDL VIP Data.
Audi range secrets
Worth considering...
e-tron models?
Audi charging?
Vauxhall Ampera
CURRENTLY, the A3 Sportback is the only model

available with e-tron technology. However, Audi
has revealed a number of plug-in concept cars,
including the 2012 A1 e-tron, which featured a
three-cylinder turbo engine and electric motor.
PLUG into a domestic supply and the A3 will be fully

charged in around four hours. Install a British Gas
wallbox or use a public charging point, and the time
is slashed to just over two hours. Even better, the
e-tron comes with charging cables for all situations.
SLOW sales mean that Vauxhall is planning to pull

the plug on the Ampera. However, the sleekly styled
machine is still one of the best range-extenders money
can buy, thanks to its strong performance, economy
and well integrated petrol-electric drivetrain.
88 Special Issue
Road test
THE Nrburgring Nordschleife
circuit in Germany has a fearsome
reputation, and car makers take great
pride in boasting about their lap records
at the infamous Green Hell. While
supercars battle for the outright lap
record, there are other titles to lay
claim to, such as the fastest hot hatch.
The current title holder is the
Renaultsport Mgane Trophy R, which
completed the 13-mile course in under
eight minutes. To celebrate, Renault is
selling a limited-edition roadgoing
version, featuring performance tweaks
inspired by the record-breaking car.
With a price tag nudging 37,000,
the Trophy R is moving into the realm of
dedicated sports cars, and for 3,000
more, you could get behind the wheel
of a Porsche Cayman. The entry-level
2.7 delivers plenty of driving thrills,
but how do these two cars compare?
We hit road and track to find out.
90 Special Issue
Renaultsport Mgane Trophy R vs Porsche Cayman
Re
na
ult
spo
rt M
g
an
e
Road test
Pri
c
Tes e: 3
6
te
con ,430
om
En
g
y:
26 ine:
.7m
2
pg .0-litr
/5.
e
9m 4cy
l,
pl
CO 271b
2: 1
h
74 p 0g/k
6
m 0mp
h
An
nu : 5.6
al r
oa secon
dt
ax: ds
2
05
27
5T
rop
hy
Se
ria
lth
rill
ers
Po
rsc
he
Ca
ym
an
2.7
Pri
c
Tes e: 4
0
te
con ,234
om
En
g
y:
27 ine:
.6m
2
pg .7-litr
/6.
e
1m 6cy
l,
pl
CO 271b
2: 1
h
95 p 0g/k
6
m 0mp
h
An
nu : 5.6
al r
oa secon
dt
ax: ds
2
65
Re
bre nault
the akin sport
Por g ho 's M
Pic
tur
sch t ha ga
es:
Na
e C tch ne
tha
nM
aym , b Tro
org
an
Loc
an ut ca phy
atio
for n i R is
n: C
rick
pu t co a r
how
ell,
re
Pow
dri mpet ecord
ys
vin e w gt
hri ith
lls?
xx Xxxxxxxx 2015 91
Road test
MODEL TESTED: Renaultsport Mgane 275 Trophy R

PRICE: 36,430 ENGINE: 2.0-litre 4cyl, 271bhp
THE Renaultsport Mgane has always
been at the cutting edge of hot hatch
development, and the latest model pushes
the performance envelope even further. The
Trophy R is based on the Mgane Trophy,
so has a 271bhp turbocharged four-cylinder
engine, as well as weight-saving measures and
performance-enhancing kit, all for 36,430.
Styling 3.7/5
WHILE the standard Mgane is looking a
bit old these days, the Renaultsport model
has carved its own niche, thanks to its threedoor coup body and racy add-ons. The
Trophy R takes this a step further with
distinctive red body stripes, while the
standard cars 19-inch wheels are replaced by
lightweight Speedline alloys of the same size.
These are black as standard, but our car
had red wheels, which cost 250 extra. The
Trophy R comes in white, while black paint
is a 525 option, Arctic White with a black
roof 625 and Renaultsports Liquid Yellow
metallic a hefty 1,300. Whichever colour you
go for, the Trophy R lettering on the front
splitter, the deletion of the rear windscreen
wiper and an Akrapovic-branded carbon-bre
exhaust tip all add to its sporty appearance.
Inside, there are more signicant changes.
The Trophy R has ditched the back seats
and parcel shelf theyve been replaced by
a substantial brace across the suspension
mounts while lightweight, polycarbonateshelled Recaro seats with bright red vepoint Sabelt racing harnesses have been
tted up front. Our car featured the
1,995 Nrburgring Record Pack, which
adds a six-point harness for the driver,
while the passenger seat makes do with
a regular, lighter, three-point seatbelt.
These additions shout about the Trophy Rs
potential, but overall cabin quality is a
letdown. Hard plastics are used for the dash,
and the layout is identical to the standard
Mganes, save for the removal of the stereo.
Even though the rear wash/wipe has been
deleted to save weight, its still present on
the column stalk, while the door trims
still feature speaker grilles. We also found
the electric window switch panel on the
drivers door was tting loosely. This may
be a stripped-out, racer for the road, but
it feels decidedly cheap in places.
Exterior
its performance. Plus, the lack of electrical

goodies means theres less to go wrong
in the rst place. If you do have problems,
the Trophy R gets the same four-year
warranty and breakdown cover as the
rest of the range, which will hopefully
give added peace of mind.
Safety will be good, as you get six airbags
and an advanced stability control system, and
if you think the ve-point racing harness is
overkill, theres a standard seatbelt for regular
use. However, you still need this buckled if
youre using the harness, otherwise the
cars seatbelt warning chime will cut in.
Running costs 2.6/5

AT 36,430, the Trophy R is expensive for a
hot hatch, although its bespoke nature goes
some way to justifying the cost. If youre
considering it, then stumping up 1,995 for
the Nrburgring Record Pack will give you
the ultimate Mgane experience, although if
you want luxuries such as sat-nav and climate
control, theyre also offered as options.
We managed 26.7mpg on test, which
wasn't as good as the Porsche, but emissions
of 174g/km are marginally cleaner than the
Caymans. You can get a four-year servicing
package for the Trophy R, while a limited
production run only 50 cars will come
to the UK means it has the best residuals
by far of any current Renault model.
Renaultsport Mga
Interior
Reliability 3.7/5
THE Mgane Trophy R should prove to be
reliable, as the base hatch has a reasonable
reputation and has been in production for
quite a while now. Renaultsport has added
plenty of bespoke running gear to optimise
Switching to
race mode makes
attacking a twisting
road an absolute joy
92 Special Issue
Road test
y R is about as
The Mgane Troph
to a tar macget
can
you
as
se
clo
for the road.
car
ly
ral
n
tio
ica
cif
spe
pension and
sus
ved
eri
e-d
rac
e
Th
driving
tyres deliver a raw
ly
tru
ts
tha
e
enc
eri
exp
ng.
ati
ilar
exh
jam es disd ale

road test editor
Driving 4.8/5
CO2/tax
174g/km
205 or 27%
Practicality
Boot
991 litres
Performance
0-60/30-70mph
PRESS the starter button, and the

2.0-litre turbo buzzes into life. Theres
plenty of noise in the cabin, thanks to
the removal of 21kg worth of sound
deadening, but use all the revs and the
Akrapovic titanium exhaust delivers a
distinctive note, with pops and bangs
if you time your gearshift right.
Get rolling, and youre immediately
aware of the Trophy Rs extremely rm
ride. The standard Ohlins Road & Track
dampers deliver brilliant body control,
but the ultra-stiff chassis means the
Mgane follows every ripple and rut in
the road. You can adjust the dampers to
suit the surface, although this involves
getting your hands dirty under the
wheelarches. Urban or motorway
5.6/4.5 seconds
!
Braking
70-0/60-0/30-0mph
44.9/27.9/8.2m
driving is a trial more than a joy, as

the harsh ride and lack of sound
deadening mean every trip will leave
your body tingling and ears ringing.
But head for a twisty road, and the
Trophy R comes into its own. The trackfocused Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres
deliver phenomenal grip in the dry,
while switching the car to Sport or Race
modes means the sharp chassis, stiff
dampers and direct steering let you
know exactly whats going on beneath
you, and makes attacking a twisting
road an absolute joy. These modes also
liberate the full 271bhp on offer, and the
engines meaty power delivery feels very
responsive, plus theres barely a hint of
torque steer under hard acceleration.
At the test track, the Trophy R
was a close match to the Cayman for
performance, with similar acceleration
gures and impressive braking from
the optional 350mm oating Brembo
discs and calipers. However, while
the Trophy R impresses on a dry
road, if its cold or wet, you need
to tread carefully, as the trackbiased tyres need to be warm
before they perform at their best.
Running costs
26.7mpg (on test)
71 fill-up
ane Trophy R
You have to admire

ail
the attention to det
ard
replacing the stand
a
12 volt batter y with
m
slim lithium-ion ite
nt.
is a real talking poi
ED
dean gibson, dep ROAD TEST
Materials
HARD plastics let down
the cabin, and some
ttings feel loose, but
this all adds to Mgane's
sporty character
Practicality 2.7/5
Seats
RECARO seats hold
you in place through
tight turns, while our
car featured optional
six-point belt for driver
Cargo net stops items in rear rolling to the front
THE two-seater layout means the Trophy R is less versatile than the standard
Renaultsport for carrying passengers, but stripping out the rear seats has
resulted in acres of space in the back. The rear strut brace has a cargo net
attached to it to stop items rolling forward into the passenger compartment,
while Renault has designed the boot so that it can accommodate a set of tyres.
Go for the Nrburgring Record Pack, and you get a set of branded tyre covers.
The gure-hugging Recaro seats require a special technique to climb in
and out, where you swivel on your backside with your leg cocked in the air
to get over the high sides. Once in place, the seats are rm, but reasonably
comfortable. Rear visibility is poor due to the lack of wiper, although
standard rear parking sensors help to compensate for this.
Special Issue 93
Road test
MODEL TESTED: Porsche Cayman
PRICE: 40,234 ENGINE: 2.7-litre at-six, 271bhp

THE second-generation Porsche Cayman
was launched in 2013, and it follows the
same formula created by the original. That
means it's essentially a Boxster with a roof,
but the stiffness of the hard top means the
Cayman is a better drivers car as a result.
There are currently three models in the
range: the 2.7-litre standard car, plus the 3.4litre S and GTS. We line up the base model,
with a starting price of 40,234, which is
only around 1,000 more than the total
for the Mgane Trophy R weve tested here.
Styling 4.5/5
PORSCHE is famous for producing the
legendary rear-engined 911, but its also tried
its hand at building mid-engined cars, and
the models that have followed this format
have gone down in history as some of the
most successful sports cars in history. The
Cayman is the latest road car to use this
template, and as you would expect, it shares
its styling cues with the Boxster roadster,
albeit with the addition of a metal roof
that incorporates a large glass tailgate.
The low nose, round headlights and
distinctive prole mean the Cayman is
unmistakably a Porsche, while the entry-level
2.7 model can be upgraded to look just like
more powerful versions, with bigger wheels
and colour-coded trim. No matter how you
spec up your Cayman, its unlikely to make the
same impact as the racer-for-the-road looks of
the Mgane, but then the understated appeal of
the Porsche will be attractive to many buyers.
Climb inside, and the Cayman is leagues
ahead of the Trophy R for quality. The layout
has plenty of traditional Porsche touches,
including overlapping dials on the dash, banks
of buttons anking the gearlever, as well as
high-quality plastics and metal trim. The
layout takes a bit of getting used to, especially
the rather vague climate controls, but theres
no faulting the driving position, while the
clear view out and well weighted controls
mean the Cayman is surprisingly easy to drive.
Driving 5.0/5
POWER for the Porsche Cayman comes from
a 2.7-litre at-six, but while its the smallest
engine in the range, its still a characterful
performer. It makes 271bhp, which is the
same as the Trophy R, but the naturally
aspirated Porsche delivers peak power at
7,400rpm some 2,000rpm higher than
the Renault. More importantly, its down on
torque, with 290Nm at 4,500rpm, while
the Trophy R offers 360Nm at 3,000rpm.
Combine the lower torque gure of the
Porsche with relatively long gearing, and you
While it's just as

fast as the Mgane,
it's more refined in
everyday use
94 Special Issue
Exterior
need to use all of the revs to make the most

of the power available. However, thats no
hardship, as the at-six delivers a distinctive
howl especially if you add the 1,473 sports
exhaust. The six-speed gearbox makes the
most of the power on offer, too, with a slick,
mechanical shift that has a positive action.
While the Cayman delivers respectable
straight-line performance, its in corners
where it really impresses. The fast, accurate
steering means the car has positive turn-in,
and the chassis generates lots of grip so
much so that youre never likely to trouble
the standard-t stability control when
pushing on a twisting country road.
Where the Porsche really differs from the
Trophy R is how it delivers its performance.
You need to keep the engine on the boil at
high revs to make the most of its power, but
while it sounds manic, the Cayman covers
ground without the Trophy R's fuss or drama.
And thats where this car steals an
advantage over the Mgane. While the
Renault is pushing the absolute limit of
front-drive performance, the Porsche is
barely tapping the potential of its midengined set-up. So although its just as fast,
it's more rened and capable in everyday
use. Motorway cruising comfort is rst-rate,
with smooth damping and a hushed cabin
at speed, while the suspension soaks up city
streets nearly as well as an executive saloon.
Reliability 4.2/5
THE Cayman shares its running gear and
electrical systems with other models in the
Porsche range, and as the company designs
its cars with performance in mind, it should
prove able to stand up to the rigours of
everyday life. While the original Cayman
was built in Finland by Valmet Automotive,
the current car is assembled by German
coachbuilder Karmann, although production
standards are as high as they are at the
manufacturers Stuttgart works.
Porsche is condent that its cars will last, so
the Cayman has two-year service intervals. But
while maintenance will be expensive, you can
expect a rst-class service, as Porsche dealers
came third in our Driver Power 2014 survey.
Porsche Ca
Interior
Running costs 2.5/5

THE Cayman 2.7 costs 40,234, but while
thats only 934 more than the total of the
Mgane Trophy R tested, you dont get much
kit for your money. The Renault features
keyless entry, parking sensors and cruise
control, but these are all pricey options on the
Cayman. You get a CD player, but no DAB
radio, while climate control is an expensive
518 option. However, there are assorted
mechanical upgrades, including adaptive
dampers and ceramic brakes, but they only
enhance the already engaging standard car.
Standard stop-start helps fuel economy
we managed 27.6mpg on test but higher
emissions mean the Cayman is costlier to tax.
Still, residuals of 51.2 per cent are better than
the Trophy Rs, despite that cars exclusivity.
etingly fir m,
The Mgane is unrel pliant
com
ns
ma
Cay
the
but
des
ride feels like a Merce
n.
S-Class in compariso
jam es disd ale

road test editor
Road test
Head-to-head
CO2/tax
195g/km
details
Caption into space
here please
Caption into space
here please
Caption into space
here please
Caption into space
here please
Caption into space
here please
Caption into space
265 or 31%
Practicality
Boot (front/rear)
150/275 litres
Performance
0-60/30-70mph
5.6/4.6 seconds
ayman
dean gibs on
Braking
70-0/60-0/30-0mph
43.7/31.6/8.2m
Running costs
27.6mpg (on test)
76 fill-up
Practicality 3.2/5
METAL trim and

high-quality plastics
give Porsche a more
upmarket feel than
in the Mgane
AS its a two-seater sports car, you wouldnt expect the

Porsche Cayman to be particularly practical. However,
you might be surprised by how much luggage you
can take with you. The tailgate lifts to reveal a shallow
load area, although Porsche claims that it has a
volume of 275 litres. The two deep bins either side of
the engine cover are useful, although they are tricky
to access. Pop the bonnet, and you get a well shaped
150-litre front boot, which is deep and rectangular.
The passenger compartment is spacious, and
its easy to get comfortable. Porsches trademark
cup-holders pop out above the spacious glovebox,
and while the door bins are a little narrow,
they hinge open to improve access.
BANKS of buttons
near the gearlever
are a traditional
Porsche touch
and provide easy
access for use
THESE high-performance
models serve up exactly the
same 271bhp power output,
but the turbocharged Renault
has a broader spread of midrange torque, which boosts
in-gear acceleration.
However, one of the thrills
of driving the Porsche is being
able to wind the 2.7-litre at
six-cylinder engine all the
way up to maximum revs. In
comparison, the stripped-out
Trophy Rs lack of soundproong
means it's left feeling very raw.
Materials
Buttons
tastic
The Cayman is a fan
sports car, and the
is
entry-level 2.7 model g
ttin
just as capable of pu
as
a smile on your face
t are
Porsche models tha s
at
twice the price. Wh
more, its excellent
ans
all-round ability me
you could easily
drive one on a
daily basis.
Performance
Racing kit
RENAULT has used race-derived
kit from Brembo (brakes, below),
Ohlins (dampers), Allevard
(springs), Recaro (seats) and
Speedline (wheels) to enhance
the Mgane. Porsche doesnt
buy in technology, but does
offer in-house-developed kit
such as ceramic brakes, sports
suspension and lightweight seats.
Load space
STRIPPING the back seats
out of the Trophy R creates
a large load space, which
Renault has designed to
accommodate a set of tyres.
The Cayman doesnt have the
same maximum space, but
the front and rear boots are
reasonably sized and can take a
surprising amount of luggage.
Special Issue 95
Figures
On the road price/total as tested
Residual value (after 3yrs/36,000)
Depreciation
Annual tax liability std/higher rate
Annual fuel cost (12k/20k miles)
Ins. group/quote/road tax band/cost
Cost of 1st/2nd/3rd service
40,234/46,464
464
20,600/51.2%
19,634
2,461/4,922
2,340/3,900
37/421/J/265
480/610/480
4,380/2,475mm
1,294/1,801mm
Flat 6cyl/2,706cc
271/7,400 bhp/rpm
290/4,500 Nm/rpm
6-spd man/rwd
425 litres
1,330/325kg
11.0 metres/0.30Cd
3yrs/3yrs
20k miles (2yrs)/36
6th/3rd
N/A
0-60/30-70mph
30-50mph in 3rd/4th
50-70mph in 5th/6th
Top speed/rpm at 70mph
Braking 70-0/60-0/30-0mph
Noise outside/idle/30/70mph
Auto Express econ (mpg/mpl)/range
Govt urban/extra-urban/combined
Govt urban/extra-urban/combined
Actual/claimed CO2/tax bracket
5.6/4.6 secs
3.7/5.1 secs
6.4/8.1 secs
165mph/2,500rpm
43.7/31.6/8.2m
65/31/61/70dB
27.6/6.1/389 miles
23.9/44.1/33.6mpg
5.3/9.7/7.4mpl
236/195g/km/31%
Results
Ring
leaders
Ren
Renaultsport
Megane 275
Meg
Trophy R
Troph
Porsche
Cayman 2.7
Length/wheelbase
Height/width
Engine
Peak power/revs
Peak torque/revs
Transmission
Fuel tank capacity/spare wheel
Boot capacity
Kerbweight/payload
Turning circle/drag coefficient
Basic warranty (miles)/recovery
Service intervals/UK dealers
Driver Power manufacturer/dealer pos
Euro NCAP: Adult/child/ped./stars
Airbags/Isofix/park sensors/camera
Automatic box/stability/cruise control
Climate control/leather/heated seats
Metallic paint/xenon lights/keyless go
Sat-nav/USB/DAB radio/Bluetooth
Road test
Six/122/348/1,044
1,922/yes/267
518/2,174/284
558/1,061/599
2,141/yes/324/446
RESIDUALS
stro
PORSCHE'S strong
predicted resale
value of 51.2 per
cent is even better
than the limitededition Trophy R.
BOOT CAPACITY
THERES a
combined
425 litres on offer,
split between
150 litres in the
front boot and
275 litres at
the back.
SERVICING
THERES no fixedprice servicing, but
two-year intervals
should help to
spread the cost.
OPTIONS
YOU dont get
much as standard
on the Cayman,
while going wild
with options
could double
the list price!
1st
PORSCHE
THE Cayman is the entry

point to Porsche coup
ownership, but you wont feel shortchanged with the 2.7. It has more than
enough performance to entertain on
any road, while its beautifully balanced
handling will leave you grinning from
ear to ear. Add fine motorway manners,
plus compact dimensions and fuelsaving stop-start for around town,
and the Cayman is a thrilling coup
you could live with every day.
36
36,430/39,300
17,669/48.5%
18,761
1,949/3,897
2,419/4,032
39/386/H/205
299 (3yrs)
How Renault took the

Nordschleife lap record
4,299/2,636mm
1,435/1,848mm
4cyl in-line/1,998cc
271/5,500 bhp/rpm
360/3,000 Nm/rpm
6-spd man/fwd
991 litres
1,297/303kg
11.1 metres/0.34Cd
4yrs (100k)/4yrs
18,000 miles (1yr)/153
15th/14th
83/78/60/4 (2014)
SPARE WHEEL
IT goes against
the weight-saving
philosophy of the
Trophy R, but you
can add a spacesaver spare
wheel for 95.
EURO NCAP
THE five-door
Mgane had a fivestar rating in 2008,
but in the tougher
retest last year, it
earned three stars.
An update and
second retest saw
it achieve a fourstar score.
5.6/4.5 secs
2.2/3.5 secs
4.3/6.0 secs
158mph/2,500rpm
44.9/27.9/8.2m
64/53/69/77dB
26.7/5.9/352 miles
28.8/45.6/37.7mpg
6.3/10.0/8.3mpl
244/174g/km/27%
OPTIONS
SAT-nav, climate
control and a
stereo are all
offered, while
electrically
operated, heated
and folding door
mirrors are 150.
Six/no/rear/350
No/yes/yes
500/part/no
525/no/yes
500/300/no/300
2nd
RENAULT
TO be mentioned in
the same breath as
Porsche is a victory for the
Mgane Trophy R. It represents the
pinnacle of Renaultsports hot hatch
development, and on the right road
its ability to transcend its humble
hatchback roots and turn into a razorsharp driving machine is staggering.
It'll embarrass supercars on a track
day, but its intense character means
youd be mad to use it on a daily basis.
*Red = equipment fitted to our test car. Insurance quotes from AA (Tel 0800 107 0680 or www.theAA.com)
for a 42-year-old living in Banbury, Oxon, with three penalty points. Residual values provided by CDL VIP Data.
Range secrets
WHILE Porsche is a frontrunner for the outright lap

record at the Nrburgring
Nordschleife with its 918
Spyder, Renaultsport has
concentrated on making
the Mgane the king of
the front-wheel-drive
hot hatchbacks.
The Trophy R weighs in
at 1,297kg, which is around
100kg lighter than the
standard Mgane Trophy.
Weight has been saved
with the removal of the
air-conditioning system
(-6kg), back seats (-20kg),
sat-nav and radio (-1.4kg),
rear wash/wipe (-1kg) and
sound deadening (-21kg).
More weight is saved
with the addition of the
lightweight polycarbonateshelled Recaro seats
(-22kg), Speedline alloy
wheels (-5kg), Allevard
composite front springs
(-2kg) and an Akrapovic
titanium exhaust (-4kg).
If you add the 1,995
Nrburgring Record Pack,
you get larger and lighter
brakes, which save 3kg,
while a lithium-ion 12v
battery sits under the
bonnet and saves a hefty
16kg over the standard
lead-acid version.
All of these changes
helped the Trophy R to
post a lap record at the
Nrburgring Nordschleife
last June, of seven minutes,
54.36 seconds that's
23 seconds faster than
Renaults last hardcore
Mgane, the R26.R.
What do you think?
Tell us about your car
Worth considering...
Mgane Trophy?
Hardcore Cayman?
BMW M235i Coup
THE Trophy R is the flagship Renaultsport model. Its

based on the Mgane Trophy, which costs 28,930,
and features the creature comforts deleted from the
Trophy R. Whats more, you can add Ohlins dampers
and sticky Michelin Cup tyres to match the top model.
PORSCHE has just announced the stripped-out

flagship Cayman GT4 (Issue 1,356). It uses a 380bhp
version of the 3.4-litre flat-six from the Cayman S,
and covers 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds. However, at
64,451, it costs 24k more than the standard car.
THE M3 and M4 have moved upmarket, so the flagship

2 Series Coup fills the gap at this price bracket. At
34,535, its 2,000 less than the Trophy R, so you
can upgrade to the 515 M Sport adaptive dampers
to make the most of the rear-wheel-drive chassis.
Special Issue 97
Our cars
Essentials
Mazda 3 2.0 Sport Nav
On fleet since:
Price new:
Engine:
CO2/tax:
Options:
February 2014
20,195
2.0-litre 4cyl, 118bhp
119g/km/30
Soul Red metallic
paint (660), leather
upholstery (1,200),
Safety Pack (700)
Insurance*: Group: 18 Quote: 341
Mileage/mpg: 31,969/41.5mpg
Any problems? None so far
Living with a Mazda 3
Mazda 3
FINAL REPORT After nearly 32,000 miles, our mans at one with
*Insurance quote provided by AA

(0800 107 0680) for a 42-year-old living
in Banbury, Oxon, with three points.
INTERIOR Theres a seven-inch

touchscreen, or you can use the
rotary controller on the centre
console to navigate through the
assorted options on the display
Otis Clay
Otis_
Otis_Clay@dennis.co.uk
@AEsnapper
GEARBOX Six-speed gearbox

holds sweet spot of rev range
perfectly, and makes up for
slightly underpowered engine
PRACTICALITY Its not a
class leader, but 364-litre boot

is still generous and grows to
1,263 litres with back seats folded
nt-runner
The Mazda is a fro
cabin
for driving fun, but
ple
quality is still a cou
of steps behind the
classs best cars.
Jam es Disd ale

road test EDITOR
98 Special Issue
I HAVE to admit that Ive never been

particularly fond of horses. They
scare me a bit, due to a combination
of the immense power in their legs,
the fact they have a mind of their own,
which makes them unpredictable, plus
their unhealthy love of Polo mints.
Its a shame, because our Mazda 3 has
been built with the Japanese philosophy
of Jinba Ittai in mind. This translates as
horse and rider in perfect harmony, and
is the basis of Mazdas SkyActiv range
of weight-saving measures. When car
makers come up with these phrases, I
dont really pay much attention, but over
the past 12 months, 31,969 miles and
numerous trips across the South Downs,
I realise that it sums up exactly how
I feel about the Japanese hatch.
As Mazda has embraced the horse
and rider theme to develop its cars,
I felt that it was time to meet my
four-legged fears face-to-face for
the 3s nal photoshoot, because
its one of the best cars Ive ever run.
The bond between a horse and its
rider is, as I have come to learn, very
important, and its not something which
is easy to acquire. But my afnity with
the Mazda seems to have got stronger as
HANDLING Philosophy behind
Mazdas SkyActiv tech translates

as horse and rider in harmony, and
thats how Otis feels at wheel
the months have passed. The 364-litre
boot isnt the biggest in the class, but it
has more than enough room for all my
camera gear. And when Im not carting
around cameras, tripods and cleaning
kit, theres enough room to seat ve
adults in comfort on long journeys.
I also think the 3 looks pretty good,
especially in top-spec Sport trim,
and is more distinctive than other
hatchbacks currently on sale.
But the one thing which has really
won me over is how the Mazda drives.
The 118bhp 2.0-litre naturally aspirated
petrol engine seems a bit archaic when
compared to the latest small-capacity
turbos offered in other cars. Yet
The one thing

which has really
won me over is how
the Mazda 3 drives
Living with a Mazda 3
Our cars
po i n t s . ..
G o o d & Bad poi
ertaining to
The Mazda 3 is ent
f is a fir m
drive, but the pay-of Sport Nav
ride, especially in the eels
wh
model with 18-inch
his trusty steed
Performance
CO2/tax
Practicality
119g/km
0-62/top speed
30 or 16%
364/1,263 litres
8.9 secs/121mph
while its a little underpowered,

its a joy to use. You need to rev it
to make the most of the power on
tap, but the slick six-speed gearbox
means its no hardship to keep it
in the sweet spot of the rev range.
The car also feels very light and
agile, and is a real joy to drive quickly
on twisty roads. And while road noise
is a little intrusive at motorway
speeds, this is a price thats worth
paying so that I can take advantage
of the sharp handling. I guess thats
where the horse and rider theme
makes the most sense, as the 3 really
is an entertaining drivers car.
Sadly, its now been put out
to pasture, returning to Mazda,
leaving me with a long face. And
my next set of wheels will have to
be pretty special to ll the shoes
of my dearly departed steed...
MY RATING
Special Issue 99
Our cars
Living with a Hyundai i10
the 1.2-litre i10

A recent test with
re is a better
-lit
1.0
our
d
me
fir
con
and more
her
oot
sm
its
bet
ightly.
frugal, yet just as spr
dean gibs on
Hyundai i10
FIRST REPORT Sibling rivalry is put to the test in battle of the hatchbacks
Jonathan Burn
Jonathan_burn@dennis.co.uk
DURING our time with the dinky

Hyundai i10, theres been very little
to give us a headache, as the city car
has impressed with its big car feel
and superb value for money.
It even dispatches motorway
marathons with little fuss, and for
a car of this size thats not something
youd expect it to have in its armoury.
Given this list of talents, could it be a
better bet than its i20 bigger brother?
We were keen to nd out, so brought the
pair together for a unique comparison.
Big brothers specialise in humiliation,
embarrassment and exploiting
weaknesses for all to see, so would it
be an awkward encounter for the i10?
Obviously, there are plenty of
similarities. Both ve-doors are genuine
ve-seaters, with strong interior build
quality and lots of standard equipment.
The i20 has a more premium image,
helped by the sleeker rooine, LED
daytime running lights and oating
C-pillars, but this is where its dominance
comes to an end. And its how the
The i10 has a far

wider range of
abilities than its
bigger brother, too
two cars drive which is the biggest

difference. Under the bonnet of this
particular i20 sits a rather uninspiring
74bhp 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol
engine. Whereas rivals are all bringing
turbocharged three-cylinders to the
party, Hyundai doesnt yet offer
one. Its a real missed opportunity.
The i20 needs to be revved to make
the most of the power on offer, but that
means youll struggle to match the
claimed 58.9mpg its capable of.
This isnt the case with the i10,
however. It uses a 1.0-litre naturally
aspirated three-cylinder engine,
which suits the cars character
perfectly. Its an eager, sprightly
engine and sounds good, too.
After nearly 6,000 miles in and around
central London, weve also averaged a
healthy 43.1mpg. In previous tests with
the i20, weve rarely got above 38mpg.
The i10 has a far wider range of
abilities than its bigger brother, too. On
the move it feels more compliant and
forgiving around town, whereas the i20
tends to dget over rougher surfaces.
Load both cars up with passengers
and luggage, and although the i20 will
swallow more, the i10 does a far better
job of managing the extra weight and
keeping those inside more comfortable.
My verdict? The i10 is denitely a
wiser choice this is one instance where
bigger doesnt necessarily mean better.
MY RATING
100 Special Issue
INTERIOR i10 and i20

(below) have similar
interior design, with
coloured dash trim
Our cars
Living with a Hyundai i10~
Essentials
Hyundai i10 1.0 SE
On fleet since:
Price new:
Engine:
CO2/tax:
Options:
Insurance*:
Mileage/mpg:
Any problems?
July 2014
9,660
1.0-litre 3cyl, 65bhp
108g/km/20
Metallic paint (495)
Group: 1 Quote: 309
5,670/43.1mpg
None so far
*Insurance quote provided by AA

(0800 107 0680) for a 42-year-old living
in Banbury, Oxon, with three points.
poii n t s ...
G o o d & Bad po
looking city
The i10 is a sharp
DRIVING Sharp, accomplished

and capable, the i10 manages to
embarrass its sibling when it
comes to ability on the road
114g/km
THE Fiat is the smallest car on our eet, but

that hasnt stopped road test editor James
Disdale putting it to the test as a family ferrier,
with the help of his two young children.
First up, the rear bench easily accommodated
two bulky child seats, while the 225-litre boot
swallowed two scooters, various bags, wellies
and even a few bags of shopping (above).
With his family safely squeezed on board,
James could concentrate on enjoying the Panda
Crosss driving experience. And with its eager
TwinAir engine, grippy
4WD transmission and
high-set driving position,
it was a hoot to thread
Audi TT
down the lanes near
New arrival
James Hertfordshire
BMW i3
home. Less impressive
Issues 1,338, 1,353
was the 34mpg fuel
Dacia Duster
return, which was
Issues 1,305, 1,315,
barely any better than
1,330, 1,339
our VW Golf GTIs.
Fiat Panda Cross
SEAT
Leon Cupra
30 or 15%
Practicality
218/1,012 litres
Running costs
43.1mpg (on test)
43 fill-up
is Clay
Otis
Oti
Fiat Panda Cross
Our fleet
ld do with a
car, although it cou
colours to
er
ght
bri
of
selection
the crowd
m
fro
out
nd
sta
help it
CO2/tax
Fleetwatch
GEARBOX Five-speed gearbox

has slick and precise action, while
tall-striding top gear takes strain
out of long motorway journeys
OUR Cupra hot hatch is

proving huge fun on a
daily basis, but the
three-door body is
putting a limit on its
practical credentials.
Deputy road test
editor Dean Gibson has
found it difcult to get
child seats in the back,
as the front seats dont
move far enough forward,
although the sliding
mechanism for the
passenger seat is proving
even more annoying.
While the drivers seat
returns to its set position
after its moved forward,
the passenger one slides
all the way back on its
runners, squashing the
feet of those in the back.
New arrival
Hyundai i10
Issues 1,332, 1,338, 1,348
Jaguar F-Type
Issues 1,307, 1,319,
1,329, 1,344, 1,355
Kia Soul EV
Issue 1,350
Lexus IS 300h
Issues 1,312, 1,320,
1,329, 1,340, 1,355
Mazda 3
Issues 1,311, 1,334, 1345
MINI Cooper D 5dr
Issues 1,346, 1,352
Peugeot 308 SW
Issues 1,342, 1,356
Range Rover Sport
Issue 1,356
SEAT Leon SC Cupra
Issue 1,353
Skoda Superb Estate
Issue 1,347
Suzuki Swift
New arrival
Vauxhall Corsa
Issue 1,354
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Iss. 1,320, 1,332, 1,341, 1,352
Weve told you about our cars

Now tell us about yours
www.autoexpr co.uk
www.autoexpress.co
o.uk
Special Issue 101
Products
Visit autoexpress.co.uk for our extensive product archive
Henry
Willis
Got a query?
Henry_Willis@dennis.co.uk
@WineryHills
Q
THIS WEEKS
HOT KIT
PRICE FROM 73.27 (205/55R16)
sent the
All-season tyres pre wheels to
ng
ngi
cha
not
of
t
benefi
ter conditions
suit summer or win
-mileage cars
low
for
al
ide
and are
Tyre for all seasons
NEW PRODUCT
Pirelli Cinturato All Season tyre
Best price: From 73.27 (205/55R16, non-sealant)
Contact: 01283 525252, www.pirelli.com
PIRELLI hopes to increase demand for allseason tyres as one of the first big-name
manufacturers to bring out a new solution
designed to take on all weather conditions.
The Cinturato All Season claims to be best
suited to temperatures ranging from minus two
up to 30 degrees Celsius so it sits somewhere
between summer and winter tyres, yet can still
handle hot and cold extremes, even snow and ice.
The company is determined to keep drivers
moving at all times, so some Cinturato All Season
sizes include exclusive Seal Inside technology
that can make a tyre airtight when punctured
before air has escaped. A layer of sealant

lines the tyre and can prevent punctures
caused by objects of up to 4mm in size.
Before the nail or stone is removed, an
airtight seal is formed around it. Then, once
its taken out, the sealant closes the gap so
drivers can continue on their journey.
Pirelli says drivers of performance cars
or those running in really extreme conditions
should still fit summer or winter tyres, but
that the Cinturato is ideal for those who
dont cover high mileages, such as city car
owners or families running second cars.
The new tyre comes in 21 sizes, with the
first version launched this month in the most
common fitments, including 15, 16 and 17-inch
sizes. Three sizes will get Seal Inside tech, with
Pirelli releasing more by the end of the year.
Beat the winter battery blues

NEW PRODUCT
Halfords charging solutions
A
Q
A
DIY stereo switch in Civic

I WOULD like to change the stereo unit in my
2007 Honda Civic myself. But it looks like a
tricky job, so Im not sure if I should take it
on. Are there any good guides I can use?
Colin Kneller, E-mail
YOURE right that it can be tricky as there is a

lot of trim to remove on that model of Civic. But
have a look at fitaudio.co.uk this site contains
picture-led audio installation guides for dozens
of cars. Alternatively, pick up a Haynes manual
in which basic modification tasks are explained.
Visit haynes.co.uk to find a manual for your car.
New drill for buffer job

HAND polishing my car seems to take forever,
but Ive seen the buffers you can use with drills
in your pages. Before I start, I need to replace
my cordless drill. Whats the best option?
Shane Atkins, E-mail
WED recommend a mains drill for this kind of

job, but if thats not an option, the top choice in
our Issue 1,331 test of cordless drills was Black &
Deckers EGBHP188K. Its single 18V lithium-ion
battery powered its motor up to a 1,500rpm top
speed, while it had a comfortable, professional
feel. We spotted it for 89.95 as we went to press
see blackanddecker.co.uk. Once youve got your
drill, Meguiars Dual Action polisher kits (from
59.99, meguiars.co.uk) are the best option.
TOP TIPS
Multi bike car carriers
Best price: From 54.99 (Smartcharge 200)

Contact: 0345 504 5353, www.halfords.com
HALFORDS has released a range of new

products that could be ideal for getting
batteries into shape after a cold winter.
Each of the companys new charging
solutions can help maintain existing
batteries and prevent you from having to
fork out on a new one. The Smartcharge 200
(54.99) is a Halfords-branded charger thats
much lighter than previous products.
The small box comes with a series of leads,
including cables with terminal clamps and
eyelet charging points. This tops up lead acid,
gel, calcium and AGM batteries with a maximum
35-amp output. An LCD display shows progress
and it can recondition deeply discharged cells,
Smartcharge 200 can revive range of batteries

too. In addition to launching this, Halfords has
refreshed its own-brand series of powerpacks.
The Powerpack 100 (79.99) can help recharge a
flat battery, plus it has 12V and USB outputs, and
a compressor that can inflate tyres up to 150psi.
The Powerpack 200, for 99.99, offers similar
features, and has the added bonus of a 230V
mains power output for small electrical items.
THERE are so many ways to carry bikes with a car.

Those that attach by mounting on to the tow bar
provide a sturdy and flexible fit. After impressing
in our Issue 1,274 test of towball-mounted cycle
carriers, our favourite is still the Atera Strada DL,
which can carry three to four bikes. The best price
as we went to press is 374.95 see roofbox.co.uk.
Special Issue 103
Products
Latest kit rated
news,
deals&
events
ter from
Instead of taking wa Wo-Wo
the
a pressure washer,
work
Snow Foam Lance can hose
den
straight from a gar
PRICE 34.99
Hose lance lets it snow

FIRST TEST
Wo-Wo Snow Foam Lance
Best price: 34.99

Contact: 0843 289 5653, www.wo-wo.co.uk
Rating:
Henry Willis
RECENTLY launched car care firm

Wo-Wo has continued to expand its range
by introducing a snow foam lance and
it can be hooked up to a standard garden
hose, instead of a pressure washer.
While this is nothing new, as rivals
have released similar low-pressure
snow foam lances lately, it offers the
benefit of a full shampoo coating for
motorists who dont want to shell out
on a pressure washer. The snow foam
method of cleaning a car is becoming
increasingly popular as its relatively

easy and requires little scrubbing.
We connected the lance up to a
standard hose and were keen to
find out if it could tackle the muck
on our car which was filthy, having
got covered in salt from winter
roads, splattered dirt and oily marks.
The Wo-Wo lance doesnt come
with shampoo, but works with any
standard solution available. And
although the hardware is packaged in
a number of small parts, everything
clicks together really easily, so we
were ready to go within minutes.
After rinsing our car with a hose,
we quickly allayed any concerns that
the Wo-Wo lance wouldnt deliver
sufficient pressure, and it had
soon thoroughly coated our car,

turning it white with snow soap.
When we rinsed the foam off, it had
the desired effect, agitating the worst of
the salt and muck from our bodywork.
Not surprisingly, stained-on smears and
stubborn grit remained, as this didnt
have the power of a pressure washer
and we werent doing any scrubbing.
Still, the sheen the Wo-Wo Snow
Foam Lance gave our car was
satisfying, even if we had to revisit
the dirtiest areas and wash them again.
Overall, it works out as an expensive
way of washing a car, as youll get
through quite a lot of snow foam
each time but it might appeal
to drivers who dont have time to
spend with a bucket and sponge.
Gadgets slot in place with holder

FIRST TEST
CD Slot Mount gadget holder
Best price: 14.95 Rating:
Contact: www.tidymycar.com
WHEN we last tried the CD Slot Mount in Issue 1,289, we

werent keen on its awkward design. The device holder sticks
in the disc slot of a car stereo to hold hardware on the go, and
came with a sticky pad for gripping phones and accessories,
but we felt it wasnt up to scratch compared to other mounts.
The key features have now been redesigned, and the new
Slot Mount comes with extra mounting options as well as the
sticky pad. Now theres an expanding grip to hold the outside
of a handset, and you can buy another mount accessory for
an extra 4.95 to hold additional phones at the same time.
This improves on the previous design, and means the
sticky grip function, which annoyed us so much when we
last tested the product, is no longer an issue. The CD Slot
Mount held our phone firmly in three of the four cars we
tried it in, although in the fourth car it was a bit too loose.
Still, it should work well in most models with a CD player.
104 Special Issue
BESTPRICE 14.95
Instead of
displaying
hardware on
the dash or
windscreen,
revamped
mount slips
into a stereo
disc hole to
provide an
alternative
mounting
solution
T-shirt honours the

end of the 2CV era
FANS of Citroens classic 2CV can
commemorate 25 years since the
last model was made by snapping
up a newly designed T-shirt.
Available via 69pitstop.com,
the white tee pays homage to
the car as its drawn driving down
the road, complete with frog and
snail, along with the text Vive le
2CV! long live the 2CV. Made
in sizes S to 3XL, its priced at
25 Euros including postage.
Goodyear summer
tyre raises game
TYRE brand Goodyear has revealed
eight new sizes of its EfficientGrip
Performance tyre, with every one
of them promising top A ratings
for fuel efficiency and wet grip
performance in EU tyre label tests.
The 205/55R16 size finished
second in our 2014 summer tyre
test, but Goodyears new options
are spread over 16 and 17-inch
sizes. And the tyre label rating
performances improve on the
previous scores of B and A.
Celebrate classic
cars over breakfast
THE Brooklands Winter Classic
Breakfast takes place this Sunday
(16 February) at the Brooklands
Museum, in Weybridge, Surrey.
Itll be one of three events held
at the venue this year, and owners
are invited to bring their classic
car along and enjoy food served
from 8am in the Sunbeam Caf.
The motoring village and museum
will open shortly after breakfast.
See brooklandsmuseum.co.uk
for ticket and event information.
Know an event coming soon?
Contact Henry_Willis@dennis.co.uk
Products
Screenwash mini test
Mini test
orked its
Angelwax has rew last tested
screenwash since we d product,
it. While its still a goo y strong
ver
the alcohol smell is
books,
dvds&apps
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT

Angelwax Clarity
Best price: 7.95 (one litre)

Contact: 0141 886 6732, www.angelwax.co.uk
ON the side of its bottle, the strong-smelling

Angelwax Clarity screenwash solution claims
it works down to minus 25 degrees Celcius
when used neat. This is only one degree
off our Comma favourite, and when we
left each product in the freezer to test its
boasts it was almost as good as the winner.
It was the same when we reviewed the
last Angelwax product in our group test
as well. We were impressed by its abilities in
freezing conditions, but were put off by its alcohol
scent. This remains unchanged, so despite offering
a new solution, Clarity doesnt improve on its
predecessor that much. When we sprayed it on
the screen it worked adequately, although it
wasnt up to the standards of top-rated rivals.
Rating:
Andre Lefebvre and

the Cars He Created
Gijsbert-Paul Berk (Veloce, www.veloce.co.uk)

RRP: 19.99 (paperback) Rating:
ANDRE Lefebvre was influential in

designing revered vintage Citroens
like the Traction Avant, 2CV and DS.
In this book, author Berk reminds
us that Lefebvre is largely unknown
in the modern auto industry, but
highlights his role as a key pillar
of the manufacturers history and
sheds some light on his life.
PRICE XX.XX (xxxml)
A spring clean for

your windscreen
Henry Willis
THE run-up to spring can

be a tricky time for driving, with
a mix of sunshine and sub-zero
temperatures the norm. Its
essential to stay topped up with
a screenwash that wont freeze,
yet can clear dirt on warm days.
Angelwaxs Clarity sets out
to improve on the companys
last screenwash offering, which
we gave an average rating in
our Issue 1,276 test.
To see if the new version is
better, we tried it against the
top-ranking two from that test:
Commas Xstream Screenwash
and Prestones Bugwash. Prices
were taken from a range of
sources as we went to press.
We waited to see how long
each would last in a freezer,
as well as rating how well they
cleared a windscreen covered
in dust and oily smears.
Commas reliable Xstream
wash swept up again. The
newcomer performed well,
but its strong smell remains.
Its essential to
stay topped up
with a screenwash
that wont freeze
106 Special Issue
FIRM FAVOURITE
Comma Xstream Screenwash
Best price: 11.99 (five litres)
Contact: 01474 564311, www.commaoil.com
EVEN when diluted in a summer mix,

this was efficient at clearing stubborn
dirt stuck to the windscreen. It stood
for longest in the freezer when mixed
and outlasted its rivals when frozen
neat. Some remains were left on the
screen once wed sprayed it on, but the
fact that the five-litre solution is great
even when diluted makes this the best.
Rating:
SOLID SECOND CHOICE

Prestone Bugwash
Best price: 6.49 (four litres)

Contact: 0161 866 4800, www.holtsauto.com
THE Prestone screenwash is still an

admirable contender, and remains
ahead of the Angelwax product. It
dealt with dust, oil and specs of dirt
efficiently, just as we found last time.
The four litres are ready-mixed, so
we werent expecting it to last long
against its neat rivals in the freezer,
but it still stood the test of time.
Rating:
BMW Classic Coups

James Taylor (Crowood Press, www.crowood.com)
RRP: 25 (hardback) Rating:
WHILE theres a host of stylish

coups in BMWs range today,
author Taylor argues that the
brands two-doors came of age
between 1965 and 89. He makes
a good point as some of the cars in
this title are stunning, and backed
up with excellent prototype and
model pictures, plus text. This
is sure to appeal not just to
BMW fans, but all petrolheads.
FIA World Rallycross

2014 Review
Available for: DVD, download (www.dukevideo.com)

Best price: 13.99 (download) Rating:
THE inaugural FIA World Rallycross

Championship took place last
year, to the excitement of many
motorsport fans. Each of the
12 rounds from all over the
world is summarised with
exciting highlights in this
comprehensive and well
presented season review.
App of the week
Motorsport Manager
Available for: iOS
Price: 1.99 Rating:
ONE of our favourite pocket motorsport

sims has been updated with a host of new
features. More challenges have been added,
as well as new leaderboards to conquer.
Its well worth the initial 1.99 as weve
spent hours aiming for the perfect race.
Products
GADGET CHARGERS
Which of these nine products is best for keeping your kit alive?
PRODUCT GROUP TEST 11 | 2 | 2015
Every week, we extensively test all the latest car kit from tyres to trim cleaners.
Log on to www.autoexpress.co.uk to look through our huge online test archive.
Kim Adams
PORTABLE electronic gadgets are a key part of

driving and travelling, but they all need charging
after prolonged use. Cigarette lighter adapters
(tested in Issue 1,353) are one option, but power
banks provide the ultimate charge on the go.
These can revive phones and almost anything
USB powered, plus finish the job away from the
car. They come in a wide range of sizes, capacities
and options, but which is the best to keep your
gadget working? We plugged in nine to find out.
2014
20
14
20
Intocircuit PC11200
Best price: 20.99
Capacity: 11,200mAh
Contact: www.amazon.co uk
BEST BUY DESPITE the Intocircuit kits cracking price, you
still get two leads plus a range of tips including those for
PSP, Nokia, Samsung and Apple 30-pin. There are two USB
sockets, with one rated at 2.1A making it possible to charge
your tablet and phone at the same time. A clear LCD display
keeps track of charging, which was the joint best on test,
plus theres a small LED worklight a great combination.
Olixar enCharge
15,000mAh Dual USB
Power Bank
Best price: 34.99
Capacity: 15,000mAh
Contact: www.mobilefun.co.uk
Rating:
Kit: Premium
Powerbank6,000mAh
Best price: 20 Capacity: 6,000mAh
Contact: www.halfords.com
QUICK charging that matched our best kits earns

this second Halfords offering four stars. It has the
same range of tips as its smaller stablemate, but
its quicker to charge through its 2.1A single USB
socket. It will also revive a phone several times
on one charge. The Kit: unit is smaller than our
top two and could be carried in a pocket, although
its hefty at 200g and lacks a Lightning connector.
Rating:
108 Special Issue
PowerGorilla
Best price: 160 Capacity: 21,000mAh
Contact: www.powertraveller.com
THE PowerGorilla is the size of a small tablet and

ideal for the heavy user who spends their life on
the move. It comes with its own mains charger
with three international plugs, which can be used
to power a laptop while topping up its battery
the biggest on test. Theres a huge selection of
tips, including a 12V socket, but oddly no Apple
kit. Charging wasnt the quickest and for this eyewatering price, wed expect more than one USB.
Rating:
enCharge Folding
Solar Storage Power
Best price: 34.99 Capacity: 8,000mAh
IF you spend time away from any sort of power,

then this solar-powered device could be the
solution. Four solar panels fold neatly around
the slender battery. It can also be charged via
a USB, and it comes with Apple Lightning and
30-pin adapters for the micro USB lead. Theres a
four LED battery monitor, but sadly charging was
some way behind the rest of the devices on test.
Rating:
How we tested them

YOUR choice will be dictated by the kit you need to
power, so we focused on charging performance,
capacity and whats in the box. Extra points went
to products with all you need to charge a range of
kit, tested on the iPhone 5S, 3GS and iPad 2. We
factored in convenience, plus extras like torches
and storage bags. Also considered was price,
taken from a range of sources as we went to press.
Kit: Premium
Powerbank
2,000mAh
RECOMMENDED THIS unit provides all Apple
users will need, as it includes 30-pin and Lightning

adapters plus mini and micro USBs among others.
There are power and charging leads and a fourstage LED battery monitor. You also get two
USBs, including a faster 2.1A, and, oddly, an
SD card reader. Charging was a touch behind our
winner, and you pay for that extra kit and capacity.
Best price: 10
Capacity: 2,000mAh
Contact: www.halfords.com
Rating:
Pama Power N Go PNGP3

Contact: www.pama.com
LIGHT and slender, this Pama Power N Go PNGP3

could be slipped into an inside jacket pocket
and barely be noticeable. Charging through the
2.1A USB socket was only a touch behind the
best, and the decent capacity makes it capable
of reviving several devices on a single charge.
A battery monitor is in the casing, but you dont
get any accessories apart from a charge lead, so
youll have to provide whatever your kit needs.
Rating:
Products
Verdict
INTOCIRCUITS PC11200 balances performance,
capacity and attachments at a fine price to win.
The similar Olixar enCharge 15,000mAh finishes
second, ahead of the Kit: Powerbank 2000mAh.
1. Intocircuit PC11200
2. Olixar enCharge 15,000mAh Power Bank
3. Kit: Premium Powerbank 2000mAh
RECOMMENDED THE Kit: charger is the size of a tube
of mints and light enough to be carried in your pocket.

Unlike other small chargers here, it has a range of tips
covering mini and micro USBs and Apples 30-pin
connector. Theres only a single USB and it was slower
than the top performers, but it got the job done and
coped with all our tests. For emergency phone charging,
this generously priced unit is all many of us will need.
Rating:
Olixar enCharge 2,000mAh

Portable Power Bank
Linearflux LithiumCard
Hypercharger


Contact: www.firebox.com
ABOUT the same size as two packs of chewing

gum, the Olixar kit can be carried in your pocket
and makes a good budget emergency product,
although charging through its single USB is a
little slower than the best. It tackled our iPad, but
wouldnt work with the 3GS iPhone. You get an LED
work light and a charge cable, although youll have
to supply leads for the devices youre using it on.
WHILE other chargers here can be transported

in pockets, this diminutive unit will easily fit into
a wallet or purse as its just five credit cards thick.
There are versions for Apple Lightning and micro
USB, and the cable and charging USB are cleverly
built in. It works well, too, matching the quickest
chargers here. Its useful if the two plugs are all you
need, although its pricey and capacity is small.
Rating:
Rating:
Special Issue 109
Buyingcars
New and used buying advice
Joe
Finnerty
YOUR VIEWS ON YOUR CARS
Got any car queries?

Joe_Finnerty@dennis.co.uk
@AE_Consumer
Q
A
SEAT Leon Mk2
YOU TELL US... Hatch is good to drive, but can be costly to fix
GOOD
2014 Results
Leon Factfile
NOT SO GOOD
WELL made, fast,

economical and
handles beautifully.
Years: 2005 to 2012 CO2: 180g/km

Fuel economy: 37mpg (1.6 Reference 5dr)
Best features: Electric folding mirrors, Bluetooth
Its the best and

most efficient car
we have ever had.
Prices: From 2,500
The level of standard

equipment is fantastic.
connectivity, rear parking sensors, MP3 player
OVERALL SCORE
87.44%
Bars show where model

finished out of 150 cars in
our 2014 survey. The lower
the rating the better
150 125 100 75 50 25
RELIABILITY
BUILD QUALITY
RUNNING COSTS
PERFORMANCE
ROAD HANDLING
RIDE QUALITY
EASE OF DRIVING
SEAT COMFORT
PRACTICALITY
IN-CAR TECH
64
137
54
23
27
112
68
95
96
66
65
th
PLACE
Great to drive. Feels like

a more expensive car.
I like the shape of the
car and some of the
design features that
make it unique.
I love the looks, power
and gadgets. Its a
brilliant compromise
between practicality
and performance.
THE fuel consumption

is disappointing and the
cabin materials feel a
little low budget.
The brakes were done
by the main dealer, but
the cost was steep.
An amber engine
warning light came on
and the dealer couldnt
find anything wrong.
Within the first week of
ownership I had a loss
of engine coolant.
The dash materials
are too plastic.
Aftersales care was a
joke. They wanted 300
to update the sat-nav.
How do you rate your car?
Tell us what you think
Q
A
Q
A
Motability rejection rights

MY Volkswagen Golf was bought through
the Motability scheme, but Ive had a
series of problems with it. Can I reject it?
John McCauley, E-mail
YOURE leasing the car through Motability so
your contract is with them. This means youll
need to pursue a rejection with Motability
rather than the dealer concerned. Just because
youve bought on a scheme, though, doesnt
mean your statutory rights are affected when
it comes to rejecting a car not fit for purpose.
Tax exemption confusion

I BOUGHT a pre-registered Kia Venga thats
tax exempt for year one. However, the dealer
then told me Id need to stump up 110 for
tax. How can that be right?
Gwyn Fitch, E-mail
THE first-year rate wouldve applied when it
was pre-registered and taxed by the dealer.
However, since October tax hasnt been
transferable when a car is sold. That means
when you bought it youd need to re-tax it at
the standard rate. First-year discount rates only
apply to the first vehicle licence taken out.
Will warranty cover rust?

RUST has appeared on the door handles
of my 2008 Hyundai i20. The car has just
come out of its warranty, and the garage has
suggested it wont be covered. Is this right?
Luke Cafferty, E-mail
EXAMPLES of the i20 from this year are known
for developing corrosion in these areas, as
well as around the rear wiper blade. You might
be covered under the Hyundai anti-perforation
warranty that lasts for 12 years. This covers
inside to out rust. If the damage is as a result
of stone chips or other outside influences,
though, Hyundai is unlikely to foot the bill.
CAR WARRANTY EXPIRED?

Call us on Freephone
Get a Quote Online
Watch Quentins Guide
warrantywise.co.uk/guide
Just look for Quentin!
Special Issue 111
Buying cars
Ford Fiesta Mk7
BUYERS GUIDE: Ford Fiesta

FROM 4,000 Award-winning Mk7 supermini is even better value as used buy
Richard Dredge
EVER since the original

was launched in 1976, Fords
baby Fiesta has come to
define the supermini market.
For almost four decades its
been one of the best-selling
cars in the UK, and its not
hard to see why. Fun to drive,
brilliant value and cheap to
run, its no wonder the Fiesta
is a national institution.
Thanks to its popularity
there are masses to choose
from, so you wont have to
travel far to find one. There are
lots of variations on the theme,
too whether your focus is
performance or economy,
theres a Fiesta for you.
History
THE seventh-generation Fiesta

debuted in 2008, with 1.25,
1.4 or 1.6-litre petrol engines,
along with 1.4 or 1.6 diesels.
The 1.25 came in 59 or 81bhp
forms, there were three or fivedoor hatchbacks, and Studio,
Style, Style+, Zetec, Zetec S
and Titanium trim levels.
From October 2009, Edge
muscled in between Style+ and
Zetec. From the outset there
was a 98g/km ECOnetic
edition; by March 2012 this
was cut to just 87g/km. The 1.4
petrol got an auto option from
June 2009, then in April 2010
came the sporty 118bhp
S1600. The hot 180bhp
1.6-litre ST followed in 2012.
A facelifted Fiesta arrived in
early 2013, offered with Fords
1.0-litre EcoBoost engine.
Which one?
THERE are no poor engine

choices, but we prefer the 1.6
TDCi for its muscle, relaxed
cruising and economy.
The entry-level Style
comes with electric front
windows and remote central
locking; Style+ adds a heated
windscreen and air-con.
Zetec Fiestas feature 15-inch
alloy wheels, a trip computer
and ambient cabin lighting,
while the Zetec S comes with
16-inch alloy wheels, lowered
suspension and sports seats.
The range-topping Titanium
packs cruise control, poweroperated door mirrors, privacy
glass, climate control, plus
automatic lights and wipers.
The high-spec Titanium is also
112 Special Issue
the most popular trim level for

buyers of the Fiesta when new.
Alternatives
TOYOTAS Yaris is reliable and

good to drive, but youll pay
more for one of these than
an equivalent Fiesta. Skodas
Fabia is roomy and fun to drive,
too, while its VW Polo cousin
offers the same virtues, but at
a higher price. The Vauxhall
Corsa is almost as plentiful
as the Fiesta, and great value.
Dont discount Renaults
Clio or Nissans Micra;
the first for its driving
enjoyment and the
second for reliability.
But the Honda
Jazz is the Fiestas
toughest adversary.
Not only is it very
dependable, its
hugely practical and
generously equipped.
Its costly, though.
Thanks to TC Harrison in Derby

(www.tch.co.uk) for the loan
of the Fiesta in our pictures
Pictures by John Colley
Verdict
THE Fiesta Mk7 has been our

supermini of the year no less
than five times and we still
love it. In fact, we love it even
more as a second-hand buy,
which is why in our most recent
used car awards, the Ford
was crowned best supermini.
Thanks to a great range of
engines, every model is nippy
and frugal. As an all-rounder,
you really cant buy a more
accomplished used supermini.
Contacts
Official
www.ford.co.uk
Forums
www.fiestamk7.com
www.fiestaclubgb.co.uk
www.fiestastoc.com
www.ukfiestanetwork.com
NEED
TO KNOW
A knocking noise when

the steering wheel is
turned at low speeds is
due to a worn column
universal joint.
The Fiesta Mk7 has been our supermini

of the year no fewer than five times
OUR VIEW
IT seems our readers dont

love the Fiesta as much as
we do: it finished a lowly
78th in our Driver Power
2014 survey. The highlight
was 18th for handling, but
132nd for practicality
is disappointing.
YOUR VIEW
HELEN Whitcombe from

Shepherds Bush, W London,
owns a 2010 Fiesta 1.25.
She says: It was a used
bargain thats cheap to run.
Its nippy in traffic, but good
on the motorway, too. I wont
sell it for many years yet.
Interior
THE cabin is neatly designed, easy to use and generally has a quality
feel. Theres plenty of cubby space, plus head and legroom are good,
but not brilliant. The 290-litre boot is also fine without being
exceptional; it expands to 974 litres with the seats folded.
Ford Fiesta Mk7

Running costs
C02/tax
52mpg (1.25 82)
124g/km
13.3 secs/104mph
45 fill-up
110
How much?
64 62 60 59
2014
2012
2011
2010
11,095
8,695
10,350
N/A
N/A
N/A
12,095
8,795
6,950
8,195
7,975
8,795
8,750
9,250
N/A
5,995
6,650
6,695
7,375
7,095
7,495
N/A
5,150
5,995
5,995
6,650
6,250
6,495
08
2008
Model
NEED
TO KNOW
Windscreen washers
can pack in when the
under-bonnet hose gets
trapped, and kinked, in
the bonnet hinge.
NEED
TO KNOW
N/A
4,250
4,950
4,975
5,450
4,975
4,350
ANY Fiesta Mk7 priced at less than 4,000 is likely to

be a category C or D insurance write-off. Straight, highmileage early cars start at 4,000, but for just 500 more
you can buy a Fiesta thats done less than 50,000 miles.
More than three-quarters of Fiestas have a petrol
engine; if youd prefer a diesel youll pay from 5,000 for
an example thats done under 50,000 miles. Five-doors
are more plentiful than three-doors, while automatics
account for less than one in 10 cars available. Most
autos ar
are priced from 5,000; the odd one is cheaper.
Run
Running costs
Fuel
economy
CO2
emissions
Annual
road tax
Model
Mode
1.0
1.25
1.4
1.6
1.4 TDCi
1.5 TDCi
1.6 TDCi
6-18
3-8
7-9
12-17
6-8
8-9
12-13
65mpg
49-67mpg
43-49mpg
47-48mpg
67-68mpg
85-88mpg
67-87mpg
99g/km
120-133g/km
133-154g/km
134-139g/km
107-110g/km
95-98g/km
87-110g/km
Free
30-130
130-180
130
20
Free
Free-20
ALL Fiesta Mk7s need to be serviced every 12,500 miles

mon
or 12 months.
Services run minor (146), intermediate
(191) then major (250) for all cars, apart from the 1.6
ST which dif
differs slightly. All engines have a timing belt,
which has to be replaced every eight years or 100,000
miles for th
the 1.25, 1.4 and 1.6 Duratec units. Its every
10 years or 150,000 miles for the 1.0 EcoBoost, or every
125,000 mile
miles for the 1.6 EcoBoost and TDCi diesels.
Expect to pay 300 to have a new cambelt fitted, apart
from on EcoB
EcoBoost engines when its a massive 850 job.
The brake fluid needs to be replaced every two years at
35 while fresh coolant is needed every 10 years (59).
Partwatch
Partw
Dealer price
Independent price
61.20
102.29
21.56
29.95
29.94
55.08
12.30*
22.20
Part
Gears
Seals
GEAR selection can

be tricky, especially
reverse and first. Its
often easier to select
whatever gear you can
get, before moving to
the one you want.
DOOR seals can come

away from the frame,
leading to wind noise
at speed and water
leaks into the cabin.
A dab of glue should
adequately fix things.
Alloys
Steering racks
ALLOY wheels can

buckle particularly
the 16 and 17-inch
rims. Once a wheel has
buckled, though, itll
be obvious as soon
as the car is driven.
STEERING racks dont

seem to last very long,
while track rod ends
arent always very
durable, either.
Repairs tend not to
be too costly, though.
Front brake pads (ax

(axle set)
Brake disc
discs (pair)
Door mirror glass (e
(electric)
Front wi
wiper set
Prices for a 2012 Fiesta 1.25 82. Dealer prices from TC Harrison
in Derby (tch.co.uk). Independent prices from Euro Car Parts
(eurocarparts.com). *Price from wingmirrormarket.co.uk
Recalls
FORD has recalled the Fiesta Mk7 three times. The first
affected cars built between July and November 2011 that
could suffer from exhaust fumes getting into the cabin.
The next came in February 2012; the rear suspension
bolts could fail in 889 Fiestas built in September 2011.
In November 2014, the most recent recall was issued.
It affected 40,000 diesel cars built in 2010 and 2011. The
glow plug control module could short circuit and catch fire.
Special Issue 113
Insurance group
Diesel Fiestas can

suffer from hesitancy
at low speeds, making
quick getaways from
junctions tricky.
1.0 (79) Zetec 5-door

1.25 (59) Style 5-door
1.25 (81) Zetec 5-door
1.4 Zetec 5-door
1.6 Titanium 5-door
1.4 TDCi Zetec 5-door
1.6 TDCi Zetec 5-door
Values courtesy of Glasss Guide
Performance
0-62mph/top speed
Buying cars
Buying cars
Best buys
Car hunter
8,000 for a multi-purpose family estate
THE SMART CHOICE
Dear Lawrence, Id like a mid sized diesel estate thats practical

enough for plumbing work, yet smallish and comfortable
for the family to drive. What should I consider for 8,000?
Gary Hutton, E-mail
Contact: Lawrence_Allan@dennis.co.uk
THE RELIABLE CHOICE
THE COMFORTABLE CHOICE
Vauxhall Astra ST
Kia Ceed SW
FOR: Elegant looks, refined, solid cabin

AGAINST: Smallest boot, fiddly dash controls
FOR: Big boot, efficient, seven-year warranty

AGAINST: Dated looks, some cheap trim
VAUXHALLS Astra isnt often described as the most

stylish car, but in this company it looks pretty smart.
The price you pay for a sleeker roofline is a smaller
boot than rivals, although its still a handy 500 litres.
Plus, the boot is well designed, with one-touch
folding seats. The rest of the cabin is classy, with a highquality feel, yet some buttons are fiddly and the front
pillars cause blindspots. Theres plenty of space for four.
On the road, the Sports Tourer is a refined and
comfortable cruiser, while it handles competently,
although the steering is a little lifeless. At least you
can get the gutsy 2.0 CDTi diesel engine with your
budget, which offers the strongest performance
here and nearly 50mpg real-world economy.
The Astra ranked a poor 124th out of 150 in our
Driver Power 2014 survey, with dealers also faring
badly. We found a 2011 2.0 CDTi model in SE
spec with 48,000 miles on the clock for 7,650.
THE Ceed was a landmark car for Kia, marking the

point when it could finally challenge the best the
market had to offer. It looks dated on the outside
now, but if you can live with that, its a strong choice.
The Sportswagons boot is the biggest here 534
litres and there are hidden storage areas to keep
valuables out of sight. Theres reasonable passenger
space, too. But some cabin materials are scratchy.
Despite the big boot, the Kia is very easy to drive,
with good all-round visibility and light controls. The
handling could be sharper, though, and the ride is
firm in town. The 1.6 CRDi diesel is also the slowest
here, but it makes up for that with excellent efficiency.
The Kia offers great peace-of-mind with a sevenyear warranty, and although this version of the Ceed
wasnt ranked in Driver Power 2014, the latest model
finished 10th out of 150. We spotted a top-spec 2011
1.6 CRDi 3 with 46,000 miles on the clock for 7,230.
RenaultMganeST
FOR: Comfy ride, well equipped, availability
AGAINST: Passenger space, electrical issues
THIS generation of Mgane banished many of the

quality and build issues of previous Renaults, but
it still maintained some French flair in the styling.
Inside its much better built than before, and on
a par with rivals without being cutting-edge.
Boot space is decent, too, with 524 litres, but
rear passengers dont get quite as much legroom
as rivals. Its not exactly cramped, though, and
theres good kit, plus the usual storage areas.
The Renault majors on comfort with a soft
ride that is the best here and shrugs off bumps.
Handling could be better, but the 1.9 dCi is
torquey and economical, if not the quietest diesel.
The Mgane only finished 92nd in our Driver Power
2014 survey, and its worth looking out for electrical
niggles. Theres plenty of choice on the market,
and our search found a 2011 1.9 dCi Dynamique
TomTom with 57,000 miles on the clock for 7,350.
White tops colour charts
Audi A7 Sportback
WHITE is now the most popular car

colour in the UK, according to figures
released by the Society of Motor
Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Just a decade ago, white cars
accounted for less than one per cent
of new car sales, but as fashion trends
change, it has enjoyed a resurgence.
In 2014, 22 per cent of the 2.48 million
new cars registered were a shade of
white, the biggest number on record.
The most popular car sold in this
shade was, unsurprisingly, the bestselling Ford Fiesta, with 25,845 finding
homes. The second most popular colour
was black, which had a 19 per cent
share, while prevously sought-after
silver models slipped to 14 per cent.
AUDIS A7 Sportback
just got a whole lot more
tempting thanks to the
firm offering a generous
8,000 towards the
finance deposit.
It means the total
amount payable on a
215bhp 3.0 TDI Ultra in
SE Executive spec with
the S tronic auto box
falls from 51,753 to 43,753. Youll pay 35 monthly
instalments of 449 plus a 9,000 deposit of your own.
Theres an optional final payment of 18,978 at the end of
the three years to keep the car, too. Visit www.audi.co.uk
for more info, or go to www.carbuyer.co.uk for more deals.
114 Special Issue
22 per cent of the 2.48 million

new cars in 2014 were white
DEAL OF THE WEEK 8,000 contribution on A7
Buying cars
Used triple test
Mazda 6
Skoda Superb
VW Passat
62.7mpg (official)
49.8mpg (official)
61.2mpg (official)
70 fill-up
67 fill-up
79 fill-up
Turning on the style
These second-hand saloons offer luxury and performance on a budget. But which is best?
Mazda6
SkodaSuperb
VolkswagenPassat
Verdict
1
Skoda Superb
Sporty looks continue inside the Mazda
Skodas interior is full of neat touches
VW features classy, high-quality cabin
2.2D 175 Sport
2.0 TDI SE Plus
2.0 TDI Sport
Years: 2013 to date Engine: 2.2-litre 4cyl, 173bhp

Insurance group: 23 Econ/CO2: 63mpg/119g/km
Why? Japanese saloon is stylish, great to drive
and offers something different to its rivals here.
Prices from:
14,450
THE Mazda 6 saloon was always a bit of

a left-field choice for many until now.
The latest model impresses on the
outside with genuinely sleek styling,
and its sporting intent is clear inside.
Its not quite as slick to use as the VW,
but its driver-focused and comfortable.
The real selling point with the 6 is its
drive. The 2.2-litre diesel is smooth and
punchy, yet the most efficient here. It
has responsive and sharp steering, but
the trade-off for that is a slightly firmer
ride. Minor electrical niggles have been
reported, but the 6 is generally reliable.
116 Special Issue
Years: 2008 to date Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl, 168bhp

Why? Skodas big saloon features limousine-like
space, excellent comfort and practical touches.
Prices from:
8,250
SKODAS Superb doesnt do sporty,

unlike the Mazda, and the rather dated
exterior shows that. Instead, it majors
on comfort and practicality, with by far
the roomiest rear cabin here and some
neat touches. The huge boot also has a
split-level opening for hatch-like access.
Its no surprise that the Superb is
great on the motorway, with a soft ride
and good refinement, but the 2.0 TDIs
emissions are high, plus the car is quite
wallowy in corners. However, bar some
problems with alloy corrosion and worn
drivers seat leather, its dependable.
Years: 2011 to 2014 Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl, 168bhp

Why? The familiar Passat is classy inside and
out, and is surprisingly good value second-hand.
Prices from:
9,395
THE VW Passat has just been replaced,

but the outgoing car is still a good buy.
While its not exciting to look at, climb
inside and youre greeted by executive car
quality and a classy feel. It cant match
the Skoda for pure space, although its
on a par with the 6, and the boot is big.
The Passat is a quiet and composed
cruiser, but despite the Sport spec, it
lacks the dynamic edge of the Mazda. The
TDI is a newer diesel than the Skodas,
with better economy and emissions. Look
out for issues with the electronic parking
brake sticking and battery going flat.
IT might not drive as well

as its rivals or have the
looks, but for pure space,
comfort, practicality
and costs, the Skoda
Superb just edges it
out of these three.
2
VW Passat
THE Passat is a worthy

runner-up here. Interior
finish is unrivalled,
plus its very refined
and efficient. However,
it feels a little dated
next to the Mazda.
3
Mazda 6
THE Mazda is much

better to look at and
more polished to drive,
but just comes third
due to its high price.
Still, it was close.
Sport
All the action from the world of motorsport
Brits clinch top Le Mans seats

Stephen Errity
Stephen_Errity@dennis.co.uk
RISING British star Harry Tincknell

will be among the drivers to take on
the World Endurance Championship and
Le Mans 24 Hours in Nissans radical
new front-engined GT-R LM racer.
Tincknell, 23, joins Spanish ex-F1
driver Marc Gene and Frenchman Olivier
Pla for a full-season campaign, while
Japanese GT champion Tsugio
Matsuda will be in the third car that
Nissan will run at Le Mans. Further
names for the nine-strong squad will
be announced in the coming weeks.
To be offered my first factory contract
in racing with a manufacturer as big as
Nissan is something Ive dreamt about
since I began karting 13 years ago, said
Tincknell, who won the LMP2 class at
Le Mans last season and is mentored
by triple overall winner Allan McNish.
The GT-R LM Tincknell will drive was
unveiled in a US Super Bowl commercial
earlier this month. Its powered by a 3.0litre V6 turbocharged petrol engine with
a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS),
and unlike the other factory LMP1
racers, it sends its power to the front
wheels, which is claimed to produce a
power output of at least 1,250bhp.
Nissan will take on the established
might of Audi, Porsche and Toyota in
the series top LMP1 class, and all
Tincknell, 23, joins
ex-F1 driver Marc Gene

and Frenchman Olivier
Pla in the Nissan
Nissan, Toyota, Audi and Porsche all sign British talent for 2015 Full grid for championship
Radical new Nissan GT-R LM will take
on Audi, Porsche and Toyota in the
WEC and the Le Mans 24 Hours
CAPTION HERE TA Caption into
space provided here please ta

Caption into space provided here
Nick Tandy
Porsche (Le Mans
ns))
ns
Harry Tincknell
Nissan (full season)
three rivals have also signed up young

British driving talent for 2015.
At Audi, Oliver Jarvis is stepping
up to a full-season campaign, having
raced only at Le Mans last year, while
Toyota has promoted Mike Conway
from test to race driver. Nick Tandy will
drive a third Porsche 919 at Le Mans
Mike Conway
Toyota (full season)
n)
alongside F1 star Nico Hulkenberg

and New Zealander Earl Bamber.
The LMP2 class sees a healthy
increase in full-season entries, going
from four in 2014 to 10 for this year.
British outfit Strakka Racing will be
on the grid with its new Dome coup,
driven by the 2010 Le Mans LMP2
Oliver Jarvis
Audi (full seaso
son)
n)
class-winning line-up of Jonny Kane,

Nick Leventis and Danny Watts.
The production-based GT class will
once again see Ferrari, Porsche and
Aston Martin battle it out for honours
over the course of the eight-round
season. Corvette will join for the
Le Mans 24 Hours in June only.
Marussia could return to F1 grid

THE Marussia Formula One team could
return to the grand prix grid but under
its original name of Manor Motorsport.
Former Sainsburys supermarket
boss Justin King is reported to be one
of the investors aiming to bring the
squad back. It missed the last three
races of the 2014 season when Russian
backer Andrey Cheglakov ceased his
funding after seeing the team race
at his home grand prix in Sochi.
Kings 20-year-old son Jordan was
British Formula 3 champion in 2013
and recently confirmed he would be
graduating to the GP2 Series in 2015
with top team Racing Engineering.
A planned auction of Marussias race
equipment and cars was called off at
128 Special Issue
Father of F3 star Jordan

King (left) is behind the
bid to rescue Marussia
BMW REVEALS M6 GT3
the last minute and administrators

have announced that the company
will exit bankruptcy on 19 February.
However, the F1 Strategy Group,
composed of Red Bull, Mercedes,
Ferrari, Williams and Force India, has
rejected the teams request to run

a modified version of its 2014 car.
When Manor Motorsport entered
F1 in 2010, it was initially known as
Virgin Racing, before being renamed
after new backer Marussia in 2012.
BMW has released the first images

of its new M6 GT3, which is set to
make its competition debut in 2016.
The car will succeed the current
BMW Z4 GT3 racer and, like its
predecessor, will be eligible to
compete in events such as the
British GT Championship and the
Blancpain GT Series in Europe.
Power comes from a 4.4-litre
V8, producing over 500bhp, while
the car weighs less than 1,300kg.
Backchat
Join the debate now... www.autoexpress.co.uk/opinion
Mike
Rutherford
Do you agree with Mike?
Have your say at facebook.com/autoexpress

130 Special Issue
issue
DRIVEN
All-new XC90
We hit the road to give the denitive
verdict on Volvos stylish super-SUV
TESTED
Focus ST diesel
vs Golf GTD, V40
Fords hottest diesel hatch takes on
rivals from Volkswagen and Volvo
ON THE ROAD
Automedia
YOU wouldnt believe how often

broadcasters wheel me into their
studios to discuss the thorny subject of
retests for motorists in certain age groups.
One minute, pensioners with halfcentury-old licences are the problem. The
next, its newly qualied youngsters who
are branded the worst drivers on the road.
Do I detect age discrimination here?
Please, can we stop putting fear into young
and old folk with threats of automatic
retesting and, in turn, the possible loss
of their full licences and modest cars?
Whats wrong with ALL qualied drivers
being legally required to sit and steer their
way through professional driving appraisals
Motorings most outspoken and
(not tests) once a year? For each 60-minute
opinionated columnist sounds off
assessment theyd pay around 20, or a
little more if driving the appraisers car.
Whats wrong with
Only qualied driving instructors
could qualify as appraisers, and it would
all qualified drivers
mean more work for existing driving
being required to sit
schools, plus potential and much needed
through professional
employment prospects for would-be
driving appraisals
instructors/appraisers/assessors.
once a year?
The icing on the cake is that the training
industry and its workers will earn more
while appraising 30 million-plus drivers per annum. HM Treasury will
rake in additional corporate and employee taxes. Britain will get richer.
The counter argument goes that already cash-strapped drivers will be
20 a year poorer. But will they? Perhaps forward-thinking car insurers
can pick up the tab for some or most of their customers. After all, a
policy holder who consistently receives brief but glowing written
assessments is surely bound to have fewer prangs.
Maybe rms who employ company car drivers will pay the fee on
behalf of their staffers. And what better affordable birthday present
from grandma to grandson than a 20 appraisal booked with a driving
school convenient to him? But even if youre on your own and must
pay it yourself, consider the modest annual spend one of the best
investments youll make during the course of each motoring year.
Voluntarily, Ive just done my rst appraisal (see Page 26) and
will denitely be going back for more. Like personal health checks,
gas boiler inspections and routine servicing on cars, annual
driving appraisals arent compulsory but they should be.
next
New R8 blasts off

We hitch a ride on sign-off drive
for Audis next-generation supercar
News Product tests

Drives Features & Sport
on sale
Wednesday 18 February
GET MORE MG FOR YOUR MONEY.
Go find your dealer at mg.co.uk
MG3 Fuel consumption mpg (1/100km) for MG3 Range: Urban: 37.7 (7.5), Extra Urban 57.6 (4.9), Combined 48.7 (5.8), CO2 Emissions 136 g/km. MG6 Fuel
Consumption mpg (l/100km): DTi-TECH Urban: 48.7 (5.8), Extra Urban: 64.2 (4.4), Magnette: 59.0 (4.4), Combined: 57.6 (4.9). CO2 Mass Emission (Combined) 129 g/km.
Models shown MG3 3FORM SPORT in Stuck on Blue with White Trophy Stripe at 10,203. MG6 DTi-TECH TSE in Regal Red at 19,995. Metallic paint an optional extra at 395. On the road price of 8,399 applies to the MG3 3TIME with no optional extras.
On the road price of 16,995 applies to the MG6 DTi-TECH S with no optional extras. On the road (OTR) prices includeVAT where applicable, vehicle first registration fee, delivery, number plates and 12 monthsVehicle Excise Duty. From prices shown exclude
optional metallic paint, accessories and graphics packages. Fuel consumption: figures shown are based on official EU test results and are to be used as a guide for comparative purposes and may not reflect actual driving results. For more information on MG3 and
MG6 please visit mg.co.uk
CONFERENCE CENTRE
ENGINEERED TO INSPIRE
The award-winning Williams Conference Centre is a state of the art
conferencing facility that never fails to impress
Located at the home of leading Formula One team Williams in
Grove, Oxfordshire, the Williams Conference Centre offers a secure
environment in which to meet, inform, discuss, educate and celebrate
Our 10 multi-purpose event rooms can accommodate up to 200 guests
and afford excellent flexibility within modern and inspiring surroundings
Our Ayrton Senna room

is a fully equipped
presentation theatre
and the ideal venue
for events that require
maximum impact with
professional production
Our in-house AV
Technician works
with you to ensure a
seamless presentation
saving you both time
and money
WILLIAMS
CONFERENCE CENTRE
GROVE
OXFORDSHIRE
OX12 0DQ
The Ayrton Senna

room forms part of
our Drivers Suite which,
used in its entirety, can
accommodate awards
or celebrations for up
to 200 guests with
superb catering
Be it formal Boardrooms,
Cabaret, Classroom,
Theatre or U-shape,
our Centre offers total
flexibility, with every
event having its own
private catering area
Also including on-site

secure car parking
for 150 cars and
complimentary Wi-Fi
for all guests
A tour of The Collection

is included in all events,
with Public Tours
available throughout
the year
The Williams
Conference Centre is
the home of the Williams
Grand Prix Collection,
the largest private
collection of Formula
One cars in the world
charting the history of
the Williams F1 Team
Each season, the team

hosts a number of
Grand Prix Race Days
at The Centre. A unique
day out for Formula
One enthusiasts and
an ideal Corporate
Hospitality opportunity
T +44 (0) 1235 777 900

CONFERENCES@WILLIAMSF1.COM
WILLIAMSF1CONFERENCES.COM
FACEBOOK.COM/WILLIAMSCONFERENCECENTRE
@WILLIAMSF1CC
THE LUXURY OF ONE TYRE FOR FOUR SEASONS
Maximum water displacement

Excellent handling performance
VREDESTEIN QUATRAC 5. THE LATEST GENERATION ALL-SEASON TYRE OFFERS AN

OPTIMISED PERFORMANCE IN ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS. 3D GRIP CLAWS FOR PERFECT GRIP AND
ACCELERATION ON SNOW AND ICE. ENHANCED STABILITY AND IMPROVED HANDLING ON DRY SURFACES.
EXTREMELY WEAR-RESISTANT THANKS TO INNOVATIVE FULL SILICA COMPOUND. GREEN EU TYRE LABEL:
BENEFITS PEOPLE, THE ENVIRONMENT AND YOUR WALLET!
Optimum stability
Perfect grip

Auto Express - February 11, 2015 UK

Încărcat de

Informații document

Drepturi de autor

Formate disponibile

Partajați acest document

Partajați sau inserați document

Opțiuni de partajare

Vi se pare util acest document?

Este necorespunzător acest conținut?

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

Auto Express - February 11, 2015 UK

Încărcat de

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

MARCH SPECIAL 132-PAGE MEGA MAG

HOW TO GET MORE CAR FOR YOUR CASH

City cars to supercars, bargain buys from 795

Made by Mazda, styled in Italy.

TESTED Renault Mgane Trophy R vs Porsche Cayman Ford Focus ST Estate

11 February Special Issue 1,357

News | New Cars | Features |Tests |Products |Buying cars |Sport

COVER Fiats MX-5 revealed

Exclusive images and full details of new 124 Spider

Renaults seven-seat SUV

Hyundai Tucson returns

Diesel additive alert

COVER 167mph Civic Type R coming

Superb opens its doors

Kadjar set to be joined by big new Santa Fe rival

Drivers warned on additive needed to comply with Euro VI

Honda conrms new details on eagerly-awaited hatch

Skoda reveals rst picture of new agships cabin

Taught by the fuzz

The ex-cops teaching learners how to drive

Lotus Exige auto

Porsche Cayennes at the double

New drop-top is stunning to look at and great to drive

Storming new GTS and Turbo S versions blast off

First UK drive of front-wheel-drive hot Nissan

8 Fiats MX-5 could be badged 124 Spider

16 167mph Type R is on the way

COVER Get more car for your cash

More than 90 great deals, starting from only 795

Wild Mgane vs Cayman

Audi A3 e-tron vs BMW i3 vs Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Renaultsport Mgane Trophy R faces Porsche coup

First drive verdict on

For more visit

Rutherford tries a driving school run by ex-cops

Gadget chargers tested

We try three different solutions. Plus books and DVDs

New car prices

Fords award-winning supermini is a great buy used

Watchdog solves your problems, plus you have your say

Get Auto Express every week

Great half-price offer on your favourite magazine

Visit autoexpress.co.uk for all the latest new cars news

Editor-in-chief: Steve Fowler

Associate editor: JackRix

Road test editor: James Disdale

Fiat revs up for the future, but

Dennis Publishing Ltd,

Consumer editor: Chris Ebbs

Managing editor: Stuart Morton

Website editor: Steve Walker

Design & Pictures

Art director: Darren Wilson

Mike Rutherford, Kim Adams,

Advertising & Promotions

Advertising director: Sarah Johns

Dennis Publishing Ltd

Our content is available for syndication.

AUTO EXPRESS ROAD TESTS

All Auto Express tests are carried out at private proving

Auto Express is part of the

The paper used within this magazine is

I OFTEN refer to Fiat as the 500 Car Company.

Call 0844 844 0026